Fourth of July and Sha'Carri Richardson

Sunday, 4th of July

Happy Independence Day to all American readers who celebrate the day. If you are not vaccinated, then I hope you are staying safe and having fun from the comfort of your home

There has been something on my mind lately.

Exactly whose independence are we celebrating? Due to the past racial injustices over the years, it can be difficult to celebrate a nation that struggles to extend the same rights and treatment to all of its citizens. But at the same, when independence day has historically been a day off for some Black and brown folk, a day for a family reunion and marked a day on the Summer calendar, navigating this topic can become more difficult.

On top of that, discussing the topic of independence can be tricky from an intersectional perspective as I personally don't want to demonise anyone for celebrating a positive day in the history of their country and the initial start for the democracy they can participate in today, but I also feel it would be an injustice to not recognize that same democracy is still flawed to this day and has not and continues to not be afforded to all (including all marginalized communities.)

Often those who do get to vote and have their voice respected are white men. So when things go wrong and the question of justice, rulemaking or providing reasonable punishment is brought up, is it crazy to suggest white male privilege influences their decision-making? If it does influence their perspectives and decision-making, are their decisions inherently and purposefully designed to uplift white supremacy through demoting black excellence or, does their privilege make it impossible to understand:

1. Other people's experiences,

2. The reasons as to why and how some rules make certain things inaccessible and are thus unfair to impose and unrealistic to expect others to follow and

3. When to provide leeway or when to reevaluate current rules and adjust them in the face of new information, instead of blindly enforcing them at the expense of the people.

No matter how big or small the impact may seem, they all link back to a larger systemic issue.

This brings me to the Richardson situation.

Richardson tested positive for marijuana, a non-performance enhancing drug, and has subsequently been banned from competing by Olympic officials and suspended from the US team. She explained that she is "only human" and she did it as a means of coping with her mother's death. The state she took it in has legalized marijuana.

I'm going to say this. I think that it's important for the Olympic officials to reevaluate their stance and take greater responsibility for the recent rules they have rolled out that have either targeted minority groups such as trans women and black women ( banning afro caps), or have proven to unjust/unfair in its lack of a nuanced approach when addressing certain situations that are deserving of being reconsidered.

Basically, my hope for this fourth of July, is that while the American flag is raised high, African American women (All women as a fact) are given the same opportunities and rights in order to excel in the supposed land of the free, to be given the same leniency for their mistakes like their white counterparts, and the ability achieve their respective American dreams.

Till next time

Zukiswa