Differentism Poem by D Loveday Morris

Differentism

I'm not a racist, neither do I think I have experienced racism;
But I have experienced something because of being different- it's called differentism
Have you ever been somewhere, anywhere where you stood out?
You dare to ask questions and break the silent clout
And it's even worse because you are right, black or white
If looks could kill you wouldn't be in sight

It's the way someone treats you
Because you are the other or simply someone new
Because you are dressed differently or dare to do something new
And it's even worse if you have a better point of view
People seem to be different to ones they can't understand
The ones who rock the boat or dare to change the plan
The ones who care to go the extra mile
How dare you be happy; how can you smile?
They elevate their good to bury your great
And it doesn't matter what you do it never appreciates

Differentism is when
You are neither a brother, sister nor friend
You walk into a room and the temperature drops
And all your goodness doesn't cause hate to stop
It's when a colleague or an office mate
Treats you differently whether or not you are of the same race
And see no need to close the blinds to hate

Differentism is when
You apply for a job and they give it to their friend
One who is less qualified
And they call you back to try and nullify
That the interview was just a cover up for a lie

Sometimes, differentismis due to race;
Then if you are bright, black and right that's the mistake
At other times it's due to class
When even dirty riches gives you a free pass

Sometimes it's being treated differently because of ones Profession
On that, let me share a quotation
"You are so bright; you don't sound like a nurse, you sound like... You should be a... "
That's Differentism too
Because I'm a nurse, I do know the chemical make up of poo
And the pharmacology and pharmacodynamics behind constipation relief too
There is one thing I would like to add too
Differentism is when you treat someone like poo too

I thought I was finish but here is one more
Something worse than simply being poor
Is when you are treated differently, because how dare you
Have a child while being unmarried too
And if you think that's a far cry
Then someone labels you as non-christian because you see beyond their reasonings, hows and why
That it must take a great big different God
To create everyone differently is no fad
And you know it's differentism because you see
I've been the other and the different someone is me
When you are treated differently no matter what's at stake
Differentism is something those who experience it hate

D. Loveday Morris

June 22,2020

An Extract from the Diary of a Jamaican Critical Care Nurse Living and Working in the UK