Silence is Deafening

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I ride bicycles , race bicycles, and make videos about bicycles. I fully realize that this is what you come here to see and to read about. Please take the time to read my words this week. We have reached a tipping point. Here are a bunch of sweet shots of Lars riding his bike in Sedona. We had fun. This blog post has nothing to do with bicycles. 

I want to be very clear in where I stand on the current issues facing our country.  Racism in any form is completely unacceptable and has absolutely no place in our modern society. Our country was founded on this racist system of beliefs and it is still prevalent in every aspect of life as we know it today. Sadly, the bike industry/ outdoor industry is one of the least diverse. We can do better. Many outdoor industry companies have stepped up this week and made strong statements and plans of action for change. To them, I give thanks. For those remaining silent, this isn't going away. Do something. 

To remain silent, and sweep this issue under the rug is doing society a disservice. Not acknowledging a problem that doesn't "directly" affect you is supporting racism. This conversation makes me uncomfortable as your average white guy. We all need to be uncomfortable right now. Oh, this makes you squirm a bit? Good. Imaging how black people feel. The only way we can grow and learn is to have the hard conversations, hold others accountable, and evoke change where we can. It's time to get uncomfortable. 

Basically it comes down to this. This moment will be remembered for the rest of our lives. Forever. It is a defining moment in our society that will shape history. Ask yourself, how do you want to remember your response to this issue. What did you do? When you look back 20 years from now, will you be ashamed that you remained silent? How will your response shape your kid's lives?  Speak up. Do something.

So what am I doing? Firstly, I am acknowledging my privilege. I have an advantage because I was born into it. I have worked very hard for everything that I currently have in this life. Still, the color of my skin gives me a leg up on black people in the same circumstances. I don't feel fear when I get pulled over in my van. I dont worry much about getting denied for a loan or getting passed over for a job opportunity, despite being qualified, because of the color of my skin. No one labels me as "a good cyclist.... for a black.... or, for a woman". This sort of mentality isn't even on my radar. I don't have to second guess my worth and wonder if someone is just interested in working with me because " I'm pretty good, for a black" 

Secondly, I am using my voice and platform for good. I am having those hard conversations behind closed doors. I am also choosing to leverage my large audience to promote a positive message and evoke change. I will loose followers and fans over this issue. It will cost me money. I do not care. If you support racism, I will thank you for unfollowing me right now. We do not need you. There is no place for you here. 

Thirdly, I am listening. I am learning. Taking to time to educate myself on this issue. Practicing empathy. I can never understand the pain black people are feeling, but I am trying, and offering help where I can. This is just the beginning. This is not a new issue, it's a several hundred year issue that is getting attention because of recent current events. Let's stay just as vigilant tomorrow, next week, next year, ten years from now. Change will not happen overnight, but just because you are not seeing it in your facebook feed every day, doesn't mean racism is over. Keep working. And please don't get distracted by the looters. I am in no way in support of destruction of property, but that can never be a justification for taking human life. I am not in support of violent protest. Obviously. This is just the white noise that is concealing the real issue of continued racism in our country. Justifying a wrong, doesn't make it right. Focus on the real issue. Make change. Vote. Do something.