Questions to Ask Yourself
#BlackLivesMatter
Why recognise and understand my thought patterns pertaining to Race?
Because bettering myself is an integral part of bettering the world.
1. When was the last time I noticed a bias within myself – immediate or considered?
2. In a mixed environment, who do I tend to mix with? Do they look like me, sound like me or come from a similar wealth bracket as I do?
3. Have I ever equated our country’s flaws on a governmental level to the fact that our cabinet is primarily black?
4. Would I let my child get married to a black individual?
5. Do I believe that my child with lighter skin, eyes or hair is more beautiful because of these particular features? And do I find myself praising other people because of these features?
6. What kind of things do I say about black people in front of my children?
7. How do I feel when a black man enters a space I am in? Do I pull my bag, purse, cellphone or general belongings closer?
8. Am I comfortable with racial slurs being used in my presence? If not, do I do anything to shed light as to why this behaviour is problematic?
9. Do I feel that I have done my part by reposting, sharing or providing insight regarding the crises in Palestine, Yemen, Syria and Lebanon only?
10. Do I mock at/think less of a black person for the way they may speak?
11. If I am an employer at present, what does my staff body look like?
12. Do I complain about BEE because of how it seemingly “advantages” black people and “disadvantages” everyone else- for example with university acceptances and job opportunities?
13. Have I ever passed a harsh comment in response to protest action in the country? Have I called it hooliganism or the like?
14. During #FeesMustFall did I feel the police were justified in their response? Did I take the time to read student narratives? If not, am I willing to do so now?
For more thoughts on the Black Lives Matter Movement, read Justice is rooted in Allah’s Divine Nature, a thought article by Living Islam student, Yusra Sablay.
