Will 2020 Really Be The Year of Change?
This year has been a year of many unpleasant interactions. There’s been COVID and the importance of the Black Lives Matter Movement, in fact some say all lives matter , but not until Black lives do! This year has been nothing but criticism and judgement, but also a time to fight back and say something. As a Result of the Philadelphia Eagles DeSean Jackson posting unintentional anti-Semitic posts (which was mentioned later after many comments), New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman invited the player to the Holocaust museum with a goal for change.
How Julian Edelman Addresses The Value Of Change
There is always room for change, and especially in 2020. One person can really influence others to change and do the right thing. Julian Edelman is that person who seeks the importance of change! On both Edelman’s Twitter and Instagram, he shared this video. In the video he made some very important points. He stated that this video allows “an opportunity to have a conversation”, recognizing that there’s a side to every story based on background and beliefs. Edelman also embraced his Jewish identity, and shared in the past he was called a kike, which is a cruel and degrading way of calling someone Jewish, similar to the N word.
He addresses that “Anti-Semitism is one of the oldest forms of hatred. It’s rooted in ignorance and fear”, similar to how ignorant preconceived notions are made towards people of color. With the struggles of ignorance and fear that rise out of identity, Edelman invited Jackson to the Holocaust Museum in order to gain understanding and growth. He also showed eagerness in visiting the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
What Can Edelman and Jackson Do?
After much confusion and anger behind the anti-Semitic posts, Jackson shared that he misinterpreted what he posted and further apologized. Making time for visiting monumental museums or taking a step back can really influence one’s perspective.
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With all of the hate and ignorance in the world, it’s important that everyone works together instead of against each other. By Edelman’s invitation to have a conversation, it shows the value in creating positive change. As he says in his video, “We need to learn. We need to act. We need to have these uncomfortable conversations if we’re going to have real change.”
Sydney Geller | IG: @sydneyyyyy_g |
