Скачать или смотреть EP: #77 – “Stand Up, UNITE”

The #KyyleLive “Thought of the Day” from Episode #77
Sunday May 31, 2020
“Stand Up, UNITE”

This show began on Monday March 16th as a music-only webcast, started on a whim, in an effort to fill the void of live music in our lives for as long as it was needed. As time went on, I began to fatigue vocally along with having more and more feelings arising in my heart about many different issues in our societies. I began to share my thoughts and feelings on these topics beginning with episode #30 when I shared some of Yanni’s words.
Two weeks later, I brought up the words of a brilliant black man by the name of Daryl Davis, who over the course of many years has sat down with countless KKK members, had civil discussions and used patience and understanding to help debunk their misguided conceptions of white supremacy, which has subsequently led to literally HUNDREDS of these members to quit the Klan.
The problem with me sharing these things isn’t the sentiment of the men behind the words; it was my ignorant assumption that my sentiment would be easily discerned and universally understood. I’ve been sharing my thoughts on equality and racism under the mask of a “non-political” show to avoid conflict and focus on love.
Well I’ve had enough. I have a good heart with good intentions, I love all people regardless of the color of their skin or what political spectrum they fall in, but I’ve sat by idly for too long, inadvertently behind my white privilege. I knew that a black man by the name of George Floyd was murdered on May 25th by a white police officer by the name of Derek Chauvin and I read the descriptions, but I didn’t watch the actual video until this morning. Why? Because I was hiding behind a giant curtain of privilege, complacency and comfort. Was it uncomfortable to watch? Absolutely – I cried my eyes out. And not only for Mr. Floyd, his family and people of color who have the fear every day that this could happen to them today, but I also cried out of shame. I was ashamed that for all these years, I’ve actually thought I wasn’t part of the problem and have avoided expressing my feelings to avoid discomfort. Well, this has NEVER been comfortable for the people it affects and we’re all going to have some uncomfortable conversations lying ahead of us.
I’ve been scatterbrained all day to say the least and it’s been very difficult to articulate how I feel, but after nearly an hour on the phone with a very wise brother of mine, I’ve decided to make a list in order to describe my feelings, thoughts, situation and where my heart lies today – and share it with you.

I AM…
A good person
Always following my heart.
Compassionate
Caring
Honest
Fair
Ignorant to how a black person feels

I HAVE…
A good heart with good intentions
An intelligent brain capable of knowing what’s right or wrong
A good life that I’m extremely grateful for
Never been unjustly profiled or oppressed because of the color of my skin
The ability to learn, grow and be a better ally to the oppressed

I DON’T…
Have all the answers

What I DO have is a podcast that was built on peace, love, patience and understanding and whether I like it or not, as someone who people listen to, I now have a responsibility to take a stand and declare where I stand, because if I don’t, anyone who follows my example will stay behind that curtain of complacency.
Black Lives Matter and that’s not up for discussion. I am an ally of anyone unjustly discriminated against or oppressed, specifically the black community – especially during this crucial time in human history. I’ve been abundantly clear that I don’t speak on politics or religion because I believe those are two subjects that should be left for individuals to figure out on their own, but social injustice isn’t a political thing to me – it’s about basic human rights, respect, dignity and accountability.

I’m not telling anyone what to do or what not to do; I’m just setting an example and leading by example and it’s summed up by the words I quoted from Michael Jordan in KyyleLive episode #54, “Put Yourself Out There.” (QUOTE) “It’s never gonna be enough for everybody. I know that, I realize that, you know, ‘cause everybody has a preconceived idea in terms of what they think I should do or what I shouldn’t do. The way I go about my life is… I set examples. And, if it inspires you, great, you know, I will continue to do that. If it doesn’t, then maybe I’m not the person you should be following.” (END QUOTE)
Final thought…and this goes for me too…if you think you have it all figured out, stop it. Read more. Think more. Care more. And, most importantly – listen more. The more we’re open to growth, the fewer lives will end at the hand of racism. It’s widely accepted that people respond to honesty. Let’s be honest with ourselves – or at least be more honest than we have been.

#BlackLivesMatter

Music:

“Escape”
Original Artist: Superfekta
Released: July 14, 2019
Written by: Kyyle Cort, Mike Bissell
Label: Self-Released