When you travel abroad, you're embarking on an exciting journey that can broaden your horizons and expose you to different cultures. It's a chance to expand your knowledge and understanding of the world. However, as a person of color, it's essential to be aware of the possibility of encountering anti-Blackness while away from home.
Anti-Blackness is a pervasive prejudice against Black individuals that exists in many societies worldwide, causing systemic discrimination and dehumanization. Despite being a challenging bias to pinpoint, it's crucial to address it. To combat anti-Blackness while traveling, here are some tips to help you recognize and respond to it.
Oh, first and foremost, it is of utmost importance that you meticulously pay attention to your surroundings, listening and observing with a hawk-like intensity. Take heed of the way people talk about Black people and their experiences, and be astute in detecting any derogatory language or assumptions based on stereotypes. Also, keep an eye out for Black people being excluded from certain spaces or activities, for these are all telltale signs of anti-Blackness.
Moving on, it is quite imperative that you raise your voice if you ever come across instances of anti-Blackness. However, this may present a challenge, particularly in a foreign land where the language and culture are unfamiliar to you. Nonetheless, keeping quiet and passive will only serve to exacerbate the issue. Hence, you can start by calmly and respectfully calling out the behavior and explaining why it's harmful.
Furthermore, educating yourself is crucial to effectively combat anti-Blackness. You must acquaint yourself with its history and effects, and learn about how colonialism has perpetuated systems of oppression across the globe. Reading books and articles by Black writers and activists can provide you with a better understanding of their experiences and perspectives.
Lastly, finding community is key, especially if you happen to be the only Black person in a given space. As a Black traveler, brace yourself for some serious eye-rolling, because regrettably, you are likely to face some good old-fashioned anti-Blackness along the way. Nevertheless, fear not, my fellow melanated friend, for there are ways to cope with this nonsense.
First up, find your people. No, not your "I'm a human and you're a human" people, I'm talking about your Black people.
Traveling while Black can be a unique experience, to say the least.
From being followed around in stores to getting stopped by airport security for no apparent reason, the struggle is real. But hey, who needs a relaxing vacation when you can have a constant reminder of systemic racism? And let's not forget the joy of being the only Black person in a sea of white tourists, constantly feeling like a spectacle.
But fear not, fellow Black travelers, we are not alone.
Connecting with other like-minded individuals or local Black organizations can provide a sense of community and support. And while experiencing the world is important, so is taking care of oneself. Dealing with the constant ignorance and racism can be exhausting, so prioritizing mental health and well-being is crucial.
So go ahead and treat yourself to that spa day, because self-care is not selfish.
Take a bubble bath, listen to some Kendrick Lamar, do what it takes to keep your mind right.
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