Good Afternoon. As always, I am ending the week with the latest about my fave royal couple. Prince Harry recently chatted with Black Lives Matter (BLM) activist Patrick Hutchinson for British GQ Magazine about race, racism and the realization of the existence of unconscious bias. Harry and Meghan plan on tackling racism and the structures that exist as a result through their Archewell Foundation in the coming month. Even though they have ruffled some feathers by sharing their thoughts and opinions on everything from BLM to the election, they have also challenged the status quo and created their own lane as royals that current and future generations will follow.
In the video conversation with Hutchinson, Harry said that he was unaware of unconscious bias in everyday life because of the eduction and upbringing that he had until he walked in Meghan's shoes. He was quoted as saying, "I think one of the most dangerous things is people within positions of power, whether it's politics or whether it's the media, where if you're not aware of your own bias and you're not aware of the culture within your system, then how are we ever going to progress?" It's very telling that someone of his power and privilege never even though about unconscious bias because until meeting Meghan, it wasn't something that was required of him to even consider. He lived in a world that catered to him and people that looked like him and anything else outside of that was an afterthought. I love the fact that Meghan has opened his eyes to what Black people and people of color go through on a daily basis as it relates to racial microaggressions and attitudes. It isn't always the outward obvious instances of racism and discrimination but its usually the offhand comments and assumptions that are the ones that are most prevalent. The fact that he is aware of his white male privilege and is choosing to do something about it speaks volumes for someone in his position. Towards the end of their conversation, Harry said that we will never be able to go back to the events as a result of BLM protests and COVID-19 and that we shouldn't want to. He also stated that we need to move forward and have those difficult conversations and ask questions that will allow us to be better versions of ourselves. I feel that everyone regardless of their race, gender, social status, etc. should take heed of his advice because one person can truly have a positive effect on others whether it is realized or not.
Election Day is 4 days away. Make sure you go out and vote regardless of how long lines are or any obstacles that try to deter you. New post will be up next week but until then, enjoy your weekend and be safe!