Lorraine Robinson
Not just black
A video of the poem by Lorraine Robinson, Head of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion at Mencap.
Not just Black
What do you see when you look at me?
Do you see a ‘strong’ and angry being deviant and aggressive in behaviour or a frustrated person overcoming lifelong oppression and inequalities?
Do you see the mythical being, a miraculous and magical being who overcome all adversity or someone who must find a way to survive?
Do you see someone who should put you first, sacrificing their needs for your comfort or someone who knows where the power lies?
Do you see a principled, moral, and dignified person or someone devoid of refined feelings and sensitivities?
Do you see someone from a
community
A community is the people and places in an area.
of thugs, criminals and dysfunctional families or a community oppressed and marginalised, deprived of their dreams, hopes and aspirations?
Do you see a compliant person, submissive to your needs and comfort or someone who wears a mask to play a part?
Do you take my resistance and complaints as a threat of violence or a plea for you to change the script?
Do you take my silence as acceptance, or do you see the invisible tears of a broken heart?
Do you appreciate my intelligence, ambitions and desires to progress, or do you feel I am limited by ‘inherent’ inferiority?
Do my allegations of
racism
Racism is when people are treated in a bad way because of things like their culture and background, or the colour of their skin.
and anti-Blackness trigger cognitive dissonance as a defence or an opportunity for you to change your attitude?
Do you hear my cries for justice and equity as a threat to the status quo and your privileges or does this motivate you to seek justice for all?
Do you take the time to consider the many facets of my personality – my
sexuality
Sexuality is how you feel about yourself and your body. It is about finding out and knowing what feels right for you.
,
religion
Religion is to do with the things you believe about the world. For example you may believe there is a god or something else. Examples of religions are Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and Judaism.
, class, culture, physical and mental abilities or are these obscured by your deep-seated fear and revulsion of Blackness?
What do you see when you see me OR is it easier not to see me at all?
If you do see me and all that I could be then its ‘Time for Change – Action not Words
Poem by Lorraine Robinson