When Oppression Becomes Competition.

Big Shout-Out to @Real_Toons on Instagram who creates these amazing cartoons and sparks a series of interesting discussions.

While the cartoon is framed with a Black man and a Black woman from America, the question I want to raise here is "Do we see this in our discussions around ACEs?"

The outcry against racial injustice in 2020 has triggered multiple events which reminded some and gave a platform for many to highlight the generational trauma inherent in slavery.

However atrocious that reality may be, I hope that we never get to the stage where we forget that many of us, regardless of ethnic origin, nationality or gender, are dealing with our own childhood (and for some, generational) trauma.

For each individual, that is REAL and it can be debilitating, frightening and silencing 🤐.

So it is my plea that we in the Caribbean at least will commit to avoid comparing oppressions and will instead be careful to listen to everyone respectfully, understand each other better and seek ways in which we can collaborate meaningfully to prevent ACEs, help all affected heal from them and to build a more caring, compassionate and loving world.

That doesn't mean we ignore any of the realities. However, it should push us to be solution-focused for everyone's benefit and remember that our primary identity is that of "Human Beings", before all else.

Have an absolutely wonderful Wednesday!

(Exits humming the tune "Lean On Me".)