A Narration of Indonesian White Savior
Anyone who has read To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee will tell you that it is a story about racism and how racism can put an innocent man into jail. However, it is also a story of how a black person couldn’t do or say anything to defend himself in front of justice and he was only able to do so thanks to his white lawyer. This side of the story does not really get much of attention. A story of white man fighting against discrimination and helping the needs.
This narration isn’t something new. The story of Superman or Captain America perpetuates the narration of white hero. A man whose purpose is to help others and maintain justice. A man who is beloved by all and will be the voice of everyone in need. A White justice
Unlike many of his fellow late night host, Conan O’brien took a different approach in addressing the killing of George Floyd. Several weeks ago, he took his platform to give opportunity for several important black figures to express their thought about it. You can watch them here.
Indonesia has its own history of hero(rac)ism and ironically it is also about being black and not. #BlackLivesMatter resonance deeply in the heart of Indonesian, either if you have commit the act of racism or you are the victim of it. When i was younger and dumber, i might have done this more than once. Calling my friend monkey because he has darker skin or calling my other friend thrifty because he was Chinese. I always thought it was a harmful joke.
However, you will always think that your action is harmful until you become the victim of it yourself. The bully always forget what they have done contrary to the victim who will always remember it.
With that in mind it doesn’t feel quite adequate to talk about racism as if you are the victim of it. There is a slightly difference between speaking about racism IF YOU ARE THE VICTIM OF IT and AS IF you are the victim of it because no one will ever walk in you shoes. The same thing that no one will ever known what it feels like to be Papuan if you are not one.
Seven Papuan protesters found guilty of treason this week and given 11 months of Imprisonment.
“it is not about lighter or heavier sentences, but this is about justice! The innocent should not be punished! Your Majesty, it is not that im objecting the 11 months sentence but from the bottom of my heart i plead not guilty” Buchtar Tabuni.
Again i never know what it feels like to be wrongly treated for telling the government what you feel but Ligia with her essay can probably tell you about it here. That is why instead of pretending to know how it feels to be them, rather let them take the podium and walk behind them.
