Courtney Hawkins An Awakening in Palestine

Courtney Hawkins An Awakening in Palestine

The woman checking through my carry-on bags motions for me to take off my green shirt that I am wearing as outerwear, so I do. The black Arabic tattoo I got in the old city of Jerusalem practically glows against the skin of my right arm. The woman’s eyes catch it immediately like it’s a warning sign screaming, “Terrorist sympathizer! Watch out!” I am consequently subjected to an additional thirty minutes of questioning before I can leave security to board my plane. In America, Black Lives Matter has been called a domestic terrorist group. They have been continuously delegitimized and, consequently, so has their cause. Police brutality against African Americans is an epidemic, but with the combating narratives of some politicians and news stations along with the apathy of many white Americans, the truth of the issue is lost in the noise. In Palestine, Palestinians are subjected to restriction of their freedom of movement, their water supply and infrastructure, their right to reliable shelter, and a myriad of other issues. However, the existence of Hamas and the fear of past clashes have painted an oppressed people as terrorists to many Israelis. Going to Palestine forced open my eyes, my ears, and my mind to the stark similarities between Palestinians, African Americans, and the truth. They both face these false narratives and power imbalances. The issue of narratives comes down to power. Those who have it can write the story; however, the truth still lives in the oppressed. I am privileged enough to have the decision of whether or not to listen, but those being oppressed always know reality. We must go, see, hear, and experience to learn the truth of these false narratives today in order to create real justice.