Natalie Portman is explaining her initial “fear” around defunding the police, and where she stands on the issue after checking her “white privilege.”
On Monday, the actress shared on Instagram:
“When I first heard #defundthepolice, I have to admit my first reaction was fear. My whole life, police have made me feel safe. But that’s exactly the center of my white privilege: the police make me as a white woman feel safe, while my black friends, family and neighbors feel the opposite: police make them feel terror. And for good reason.”
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Portman went on to explain that police officers killing Black Americans are “not isolated incidents,” and a pattern of the system:
“Police are the 6th leading cause of death for black men in this country. These are not isolated incidents. They are patterns and part of the system of over-policing of black Americans. Reforms have not worked. Minneapolis, where George Floyd was murdered, is one of the most progressive police forces in the country, having undergone extensive anti-bias training.”
She went on to thank leaders in the Movement For Black Lives for making her and others “question the status quo” about the world we live in:
“I am grateful to the leaders in the @mvmnt4blklives who have made us question the status quo. And who have made us imagine, what a world could be like in which we invested in nourishing people; (in their education, healthcare, environment, shelter)— rather than putting all of our money into punishment.”
The momma of two concluded:
“I’ve gotten to the age in my life, where if my gut feels uncomfortable, I take the situation as wrong. But this concept initially made me uncomfortable because I was wrong. Because the system that makes me feel comfortable is wrong. #defendblacklives #defundthepolice”
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In addition to sharing her experiences and thoughts surrounding the police system, the 39-year-old has been using her voice online to share additional resources and information, including raising awareness about the death of Breonna Taylor and recommending books that her followers read to further their education.
Of course, the Black Swan actress isn’t the only celeb doing this over the last week, with many also speaking out publicly about committing to becoming a better ally, attending protests, and more.
What do U think about what Natalie had to say, Perezcious readers?? Let us know (below) in the comments!!
[Image via WENN/Avalon]
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