Meghan Markle on facing racism: ‘Some of the slurs hit me in a really strong way’ – video
Post-George Floyd, a frank video of the now-Duchess of Sussex talking about how racism affected her own life has surfaced online – chiming with the renewed Black Lives Matter movement
Ever since the news broke of the death of George Floyd – who suffered a cardiac arrest while being restrained by police – celebrities and influential figures have taken to the streets, to social media, and even to their bank accounts to support the Black Lives Matter movement.
However, when it comes to royalty, these situations can be tricky. It’s no secret that there are many topics that are off bounds, and personal opinions that have to be kept personal. Which is why we haven’t heard the likes of Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton weigh in on the issue that has made headlines around the world.
Fortunately, Meghan was already an outspoken activist long before she joined the royal family. In 2012, the then-actress shared her struggles with racism as part of the “I Won't Stand For …” campaign for non-profit organisation Erase the Hate.
Although the duchess hadn’t even met Prince Harry back when she filmed the clip, it’s fascinating to hear her talk about her first-hand struggles with racism, especially during this time when the issue is globally magnified.
Here are some of the stand-out moments from Meghan’s awareness video:
“For me I think it hits a really personal note. I'm biracial, most people can't tell what I'm mixed with and so much of my life has felt like being a fly on the wall.”
“Some of the slurs I've heard, the really offensive jokes or the names, it has just hit me in a really strong way. A couple of years ago I heard someone call my mum the N-word.”
“I hope by the time I have children that people are even more open-minded to how things are changing and that having a mixed world is what it's all about. Certainly it makes it a lot more beautiful and a lot more interesting.”
“They [people] treat me differently I think than they would if they knew what I was mixed with. That can be a struggle as much as it can be a good thing depending on the people you are dealing with.”
Watch the full video clip below …
While Meghan has not yet spoken out about 2020s Black Lives Matter protests, we suspect it’s only a matter of time. Now that she’s officially left the royal family and she’s back in Los Angeles, she certainly has a bit more freedom to make her voice heard. Time will tell.