Greetings,
The interview of Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, with Oprah Winfrey, was a sad day. It brought to the surface controversy that would rather have remained hidden. The reality, is that the revelations are not going to alter, nor change, in any form, the deep rooted idiosyncrasies that exist, nor help to resolve long-standing discontent on some controversial issues that have existed for centuries in the North Atlantic. The publicity veneer, following the interview, makes this no less a fact.
Yet, we can learn from it.
Social class and elevated position, has nothing to do with aspects of what was said in the interview. The issues, in a variety of ways, are very pervasive, and requires a learned approach in order to survive, thrive, and avert, it's emotional and psychological effect.
Escaping the lions den is one thing. How to escape it intermittently, continuously, or permanently is another. It is not wise, in my opinion, to do battle across The Atlantic unless one is versed in diplomatic, intellectual, and psychological warfare, which is not necessarily a skilled art in that part of the world. Although painful, it is more productive to enter a battle in known, or even unknown terrritory. At least try to navigate through it, strategically. Several battles may have to be won, but still the war will not be over. One has to endure. Running away from the 'battle front' without confronting the issue(s) according to the principles of psychological warfare and diplomacy prevalent in a particular territory, is counterproductive. Who knows if such experiences would better prepare for what else could be in store? It is the 'battle scars', victories, and triumphs, that define, and refine character, to eventually win the day. There are many who can attest to challenges and conflict fought with a strategy in hand, while refusing, under any circumstances, to be defeated.
It appears that either not much, nor any research was done, to find out what one was getting in to. If so, that was not a good idea. Even if it was not considered necessary, it would have been a sensible and useful move. There seems to have been an absence of any thought towards the mindset of others outside of one's own home country. This is a global space. It is not about a 'just me' situation. To save your own sanity it is important to think outside of your comfort zone for self-preservation. The saying "Forewarned is forearmed", should not be taken lightly, especially when the odds are likely not to be in your favour.
With regard to the skin colour furore, I will try not to waste much time on the blatantly obvious. Whether true or not, which makes no difference, this is the real world. There is a need to get over the 'shock' revelation, which in fact is no shock at all. As far as I am concerned, it would take a complete fool not to expect such a thought to arise amongst the higher echelons of power. History will not leave us alone. To expect the unexpected should not have been a surprise. Bear in mind, if this revolving door should come around again, it may be necessary to deal with it head on. For me, what is really annoying about the exit, is that being on a very significant platform, and in effect, representing a section of society that has to deal with issues on interracial relationships/marriages, there was the opportunity to take the initiative and lead the narrative to help educate, what is still a tunnel vision society, on that score.
There are some old wise Jamaican sayings learnt from my Jamaican parents, which have helped to guide my life, as to how to proceed with caution with who I meet, and to be observant of their behaviour, be it direct or indirect, and of others around them who may or may not be of significance to note. Two of them I will highlight here, The second saying, my late mother reminded me of constantly while growing up in England. I will try to the best of my ability, to convey the sayings correctly, Jamaican style, (not in true Jamaican Creole), and in English. I apologise for any errors I make.
Jamaican Style: "See me, an come live wid me, a two different ting"
In English: "To know me, and then come and live with me, are two entirely different experiences"
Jamaican Style: "Not every truth is to be made known"
In English: " Not everything should be brought out in the open"
What I am trying to get across, is that one cannot assume all will be well in uncharted waters, no matter how wonderful it looks. Wisdom has to be the principle to guide in uncertain, difficult or troubled times.
We can all choose where we want to call home. It depends on how, why, and sometimes the ties that bind that determine the choice.
Nevertheless, wherever we go, whatever we do, in the midst of challenge and conflict, there is no time to waste, no time to listen to hearsay, no time to bicker, no time to deal with accusations, no time to falter, no time to doubt, and certainly no time to fear.
In the midst of the mess, make time to fix what is uncomfortable. Make peace, and make time to rise up, and move forward, one day at a time.
I wish Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and their son, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, every blessing, and every success.
Peace
Grace
