Racism

Challenge, make it clear the words said by others aren't acceptable.

I know racism, not because of the colour of my skin but for where I come from: Germany.

Name calling, physical gestures and nasty slurs is what I endured my whole school life. Nazi, hail Hitler salute, go back to where you came from: Germany was a regular taunt. The best the racists used was "Two world wars and one world cup" this was a classic and used daily.

As an adult racist remarks are still said but in jest. Still made towards me.

But the colour of my skin has helped me. You wouldn't know I had a German passport, that I was born in Bonn - the capital of West Germany at the time. I'm married now so my surname/maiden name isn't said allowed anymore. Occasionally written on forms now and then; GEHRING.

The colour of my skin has helped quieten the racism as life has gone on, as I'm just another white person amongst all the others.

I can't imagine how it must feel to have the colour of your skin make people change how they approach you, converse with you, treat you. Racism in its true form. Racism at its highest.

I challenge those around me, whether friends, family members, colleagues or clients when they use racist slurs, comments. Everyone matters, no matter who they are, where they've from, colour of their skin, who they fall in love with, who they workship or not. #blacklivesmatter #justiceforgeorgefloyd

Challenge, make it clear the words said by others aren't acceptable. Challenge always, drive racism out. That's how the white people can help. Challenge the words used by others. Look at President Trump, a white man in power: "when the looting starts, the shooting starts." No mention of the murder of George Floyd or the white murderers/officers. This isn't acceptable and those that accept are condoning the racists.