Racism 102

Dear fellow white people, 

Now that you've had a chance to absorb Racism 101, let's move on to some slightly more difficult concepts. We can call it Racism 102: Next Level. 

1. Please note that it is generally not considered a compliment when a white person tells a black person how "articulate" they are. That's because it is often perceived as a thinly veiled way of saying, "Thank you for speaking in away that makes me comfortable." Regardless of your intent, it runs the risk of being interpreted as condescending, as though you are pleasantly surprised by the fact that this black person communicates clearly. At best, it falls under the category of "racially insensitive". I would recommend you just avoid this altogether.

2. Reverse racism is not a thing. I repeat: REVERSE RACISM IS NOT A THING. I've heard so much about this lately. In the simplest terms: racism is about power and oppression. Specifically, the power to oppress. Black people can certainly have biases and race-based prejudices, and can dislike or even hate you (or me) just for being white. And no, of course that doesn't feel good, because I'm a good person and it's not my fault I'm white and how could you hate me just for the color of my skin? …. (!!) Okay, now take the indignation you feel at the idea of that and recognize that it represents just the tiniest little tip of the giant ugly racist iceberg of what it's been like historically for black Americans, and remember that everybody knows white people did all of that. So, once again: black people can do any number of things to white people, but what they cannot do is be racist. Please stop referring to reverse racism, as it reflects a fundamental lack of understanding of what racism even means.

3. Being an ally is not the same thing as being a savior. No matter how well-intended, white folks approaching matters of race from the "savior" place is probably going to be interpreted as paternalistic, condescending, and distinctly unhelpful. Being an ally is about listening and responding to what the people you are endeavoring to advocate for actually want and need from you.

4. You should absolutely be present and protest alongside the people of Ferguson if that is what you feel called to do, but be open to the knowledge that it both is and isn't your fight. I know that's kind of confusing, but I just mean: be respectful. Don't make a spectacle of being there. Just be yourself. Nobody needs to you be anything else. You don't have to change the way you speak or dress or behave to be an effective ally. In fact, I'd venture a guess that it minimizes your credibility. If you don't normally use urban slang, for example, please don't start now. It's awkward for everybody.

5. You don't have to apologize or feel bad for being white. You didn't choose it any more than anyone else chose their skin color. Presumably none of us are directly responsible for the terrible, violent, and/or oppressive actions of any past or present fellow white-skinned humans. But we ARE responsible for doing what we can to dismantle racism when and where we can. Every day, not just in the wake of these recent events.

6. Active anti-racism includes addressing what I call the "tiny racisms" or "micro-aggressions" of other white people, and not just saving your activism for the more obviously offensive remarks or actions. It includes addressing - and not excusing- the well-meaning but ignorant. Please note: this can and should be done with compassion and understanding. Feel free to revisit Jay Smooth's instructional video on this topic, which I posted a couple of days ago to my page. Remember to make it about what the person DID, and not about what they ARE. Don't go around accusing people of "being racist". I can tell you now that that's never going to go well, because once someone goes to the defensive place, they can no longer hear you and the conversation becomes futile. **Message me if you need tips on how to navigate these sorts of conversations. (Seriously, I don't mind. I like talking about this stuff.)

7. Being actively anti-racist does not suggest that you hate white people or that you assume the perpetrators of racially insensitive actions are white supremacists in any intentional way. Much of the time, people really just don't know, and that has to be okay or we won't be able to have these important conversations. As active allies, we are uniquely positioned, and to some extent obligated, to interrupt racism where we see and hear it because we move so easily among other white people. Similarly, if someone tells you that something you've said or done was racially insensitive, instead of immediately getting defensive, please consider hearing them out. Holding each other accountable in a respectful way is the key.