The first 6 months of 2020 have been defined as difficult challenges. First came COVID-19 and at the moment of writing the protest against Police Brutality and Racism has permeated the media landscape. The death of George Floyd has ignited a difficult conversation. It also seems like many business owners with personal brands are forced to make a statement on the matter. What should we say? Why should we say it? What happens if we stay silent? There are no easy answers. However, we do have a tool that can light the way and bring clarity.
We can always show empathy and start from there.
Fortunately showing empathy does not have to be complicated. It does not have to be a grand statement. Sometimes just saying the words “I hear you, I'm listening” may bring hope to those that feel hopeless when it comes from the heart.
We can show empathy in our own words and in our own way. Like a simple blog post such as this. A social-media post. A live video. It does not need to be a long statement Just saying I care. How can I help? is enough if you are not in a position to do more. It's also ok if you need to take time to process. Nobody has changed from on a day to another. Nobody has easy answers to complicated problems from one day to another. Just say so to your audience if you feel a pressure to make some kind of statement. You could say to your audience that your thinking about how to best address the issue and will announce your conclusions when you feel confident and the timing is right. We don't need to over complicate things in order to show empathy. Yes, there might be some people who would want you to make an immediate clear statement on where you stand on the matter. If you don't feel confident in providing answers don't force it, because it will feel forced to your audience. I believe that if you are clear and upfront with your audience that you don't want to give a canned response, which let's be clear I'm sure some brands are giving a canned response and don't actually care about the movement. Your fans will be more than understanding. There might be a few fans that leave you. Always be kind even if they leave; scratch that, especially when they leave. It's like dating. It provides everyone for the opportunity to find there right match. Maybe you were not right for them at the moment and vice versa. Maybe because of the experience you will change and become better for it.
For example, I did not post a black wall on social media. That is not how I wanted to address the issue against racism. I'm from Puerto Rico and unfortunately, Puerto Ricans have also been targets of racism. Of course like I mentioned in a personal Facebook post my heart goes out to all who did in solidarity. Many people for various reasons posted the black wall on social media to express solidarity. That is a thing to be celebrated. Also, a lot of people going through many difficult times could not join the social media trend. People who have lost their jobs, who have health issues and mental issues. I know a few cases and my heart goes out to them as well. My philosophy is let's be slow on showing judgment and be quick on showing empathy. Not because somebody did not make an immediate statement means they are against the cause. We just don't know. Time and consistency are better indications or character. Maybe you can't make any sort of statement. Maybe it's best to show action over time and let your actions show your thoughts.
Authenticity comes with consistency.
This is my own statement. I have a background in science and I still read to this day many books on Human Behavior. I want to help in making lasting change. For myself, I felt the posting of the black wall will just add more noise to the echo chamber. It would have just closed the ears of the people who need to hear it most. Instead, I'm looking into ways we can bring people together despite their physical and ideological differences. If you have the time take a look at this article on national geographic on the issues of racial injustice and partisan divide.
I'm approaching this from a research, scientific and technological point of view. I have been compiling a list of experts in the field of evolutionary psychology to search for answers. Naturally, I can only film these conversations and share them with the world in hopes to start a conversation on better ways to addressing long-standing issues that divide us so we can start to build bridges to unite us. I will share the details when I get more momentum.
I do not know how people will react with this statement. Many won't care, some will be excited, some will think I'm not doing enough. At the moment this is the best I can do under the circumstances. I hope I can do more, but as always trust and authenticity are my compasses. To make any other kind of statement is to be inauthentic.
I do want to make it very clear that as Puerto Rican, a culture with a mix of black, white, and Taino heritage I stand in solidarity with the black community. As previously mentioned. I prefer to address the issue in a different way, but I will help to build a world that stands together on equality. Remember in moments of doubts; always go with authenticity, kindness, and empathy. Black lives matter. Below is a video showing Puerto Rico's African heritage via of the dance of the Bomba.
