Disturb the flow and create change

I once heard an analogy to describe the work of anti-racism as walking on a moving sidewalk similar to those found in an airport. People generally get on these and continue to walk. When you look at those with privilege (the dominant society), they are all going their same way, in the same direction on that moving sidewalk. It is comfortable, it is easy. There are no obstacles in your way. This is the blinders that let the privileged society ignore racism and the privilege it gives them. Now, what happens if someone stops moving? Absolutely nothing. Things go on as it was. These people that stop are those who recognize that yes, racism does exist. However, by only noticing racism, just as stopping on the moving sidewalk, you still move forward. You may be moving at a slower pace, but you are still moving with the flow, with society, with the dominant society, with the privilege racism gives you. What happens if you stop, turn around, and start walking against the flow? Is it uncomfortable? Yes. Does it break the flow of people on the moving sidewalk? Yes. Does it make others angry, upset? Definitely. This is the same as someone realizing the free privilege society gives one based on the colour of their skin and trying to do something about it. By walking against the flow, by creating that disturbance, you are making people uncomfortable, you are making yourself uncomfortable. But we must remember, the best way to learn is to be in that uncomfortable state.

Which way are you walking?