As we've all heard the term "Real Recognize Real," it's important to understand that it encompasses more than just a catchy phrase. It's a call to action, a demand for authenticity, and a reminder that true solidarity is rooted in shared struggle. Recently, I've been reflecting on the words of Angela Davis, who famously said, "I'm no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I'm changing the things I cannot accept." These powerful words remind us that we have the power to create change and demand authenticity in our lives. We cannot simply accept the status quo; we must actively work to change the things that do not align with our values. Realness is not just about being true to ourselves, but also about recognizing and standing in solidarity with those who share our struggles.
Real recognizing real is not about grandstanding or seeking validation; it is about recognizing that the struggle for justice is ongoing and that we all have a role to play in it. It means being willing to listen to and learn from those who are most impacted by injustice, rather than assuming that we know what is best for them. It means acknowledging our own privilege and using it to amplify the voices of those who are marginalized.
As someone who has spent years fighting for social justice and human rights, I have seen firsthand how important it is to recognize and support those who are fighting alongside you. But how do we know who is truly committed to the cause? How do we distinguish between those who are merely paying lip service to social justice and those who are willing to put in the work to create real change?
For me, the answer lies in the actions of individuals, groups, and communities. Real recognizing real means acknowledging and celebrating the contributions of those who are doing the work, day in and day out, often without recognition or compensation. It means understanding the nuances of different struggles and recognizing the interconnectedness of all forms of oppression. It means rejecting the false dichotomies that pit one group against another and instead working towards solidarity and coalition-building.
Ultimately, real recognizing real is about building authentic relationships based on trust, respect, and a shared values. It is about recognizing that we are all in this together, and that the only way to create real change is by working together, across differences and through challenges.
But achieving realness is not easy. It requires us to challenge our own assumptions and biases, to confront uncomfortable truths, and to resist the temptation to retreat into comforting narratives. We must be willing to look beyond the surface level and to question everything that we are told.
Let us commit ourselves to seeking out truth, no matter how difficult or uncomfortable it may be. Let us reject the illusions that are presented to us and instead, seek out the raw and unvarnished reality of our world. Let us be unapologetically real in our interactions with one another. Let us reject the false images and stereotypes that have been imposed upon us and instead embrace the beauty of our diversity. Let us demand realness from our leaders and hold them accountable for their actions. Let us celebrate and uplift those who are doing the work. Let us reject the false narratives and divisive rhetoric that seek to tear us apart, and let us come together in the spirit of solidarity to create a better world for all. Only then can we hope to build a society that is grounded in justice, equality, and freedom for all. Only then we can actively embody realness.