'The most important mark I will leave on this world is my son'

08 June 2020

My son of 8 balls his fists when I try to explain to him what racism is and what we protest against. Among other things that the white people kept the black people as slaves hundreds of years ago and treated them inhumanely and that it is still not over. That there are people on earth who think that people with black skin are worse than them, dumber, worth less than them. The incomprehension on his face.

Sweetheart, it's been hard the last few days that I've had to tell you the world isn't the way you think it is. That there's so much evil. Evil targeting your skin. Something that has nothing to do with your intelligence, your love, your madness, your helpfulness, your jokes and how you feel and how everything touches you so deeply. That you are being deciphered as a human being, as a boy as a person. This only because people are afraid and have been taught that they are better. How my heart weeps for the past, the future and for you.

People around me who say it's not so bad here in the Netherlands. That I shouldn't worry too much. The fact is, my dear sweet boy, that I do have to worry, because there is racism here in the Netherlands as well. It's nothing American, it's worldwide and I'm fully aware of that. I hope you will experience THE time in which you don't have to be afraid of these things, don't be afraid of your fellow man or authority. That there is a time when you are judged on your ability and who you are and not condemned for who they think you are or what they think you might do or where you come from. Know that you are worth as much as anyone else. That YOU too can conquer the world. That you can be the next Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. YOU are good as you are!