I write this as a white person speaking to other white people. Considering the recent events that have happened in the United States regarding police brutality, I feel it is necessary for me to call out white people on some of their reactions to those shootings.
The first thing I want to talk about is people who try to excuse their racism by using their upbringing. This is probably one of the most stupid reactions you could have. Some people say that they have racist reactions and opinions because of the environment they grew up in. This is extremely stupid and ignorant. You are your own person, with your own thoughts and opinions. Your close-minded family should never be an excuse for you to be ignorant as well. You are perfectly able to do your research and to educate yourself on issues that matter. The Internet is full of helpful information, ready for you to use. Your racist education is never an excuse, and there’s always time to change your beliefs and realise that what you’ve been taught was harmful and wrong.
There has also been a specific reaction to murders by white people on black people that has been bothering me a lot. I’ve seen a lot of white people saying that they feel like the blame is being thrown on them. Some of them have said that it’s “not their fault that they’re white” and that they shouldn’t be blamed for their privilege. And the only thing I want to answer to those people is: yes, it is your fault that you’re privileged. Indirectly, at least. This privilege is the result of centuries of white supremacy in the entire world – not just the US – and of racism and oppression of black people, and people of color in general. Even if you’re not racist yourself, you contribute to this privilege if you decide to do nothing to suppress it. You don’t deserve this privilege, and have done nothing to earn the right to be more respected than people of color. Even if you’re not racist, it is your duty as a white person to try as hard as you can to erase this privilege, and bring more equality in the world.
Now, this might be hard to do, but it is necessary. The first thing you can do to act against white privilege is to recognize it. Admit that you are privileged, and that you shouldn’t be because it is unfair and you don’t deserve it. A lot of white people don’t even want to recognize their privilege, because it is so easy and comfortable for them. Privilege is an ugly thing, but it is extremely sweet for those who benefit from it. But the truth is, if you decide to stay silent about race issues and to keep your privilege, you’re just as bad as people who are openly racist. After all, you contribute to racism and oppression as much as they do, and you aren’t doing anything to stop it. So the first thing you can do is to realize that you are privileged, and decide to do something about it. Once you have done this, you need to act against racism in your everyday life. Refuse your privilege, call out acts of racism that you witness. Use platform such as social media to spread awareness and information. But activism doesn’t only happen online: take part in peaceful protests for the #BlackLivesMatter movement if you can. Moreover, you need to call out other white people who make racist jokes and comments, even if they seem small and insignificant at first. Small actions matter, because they make a difference in the long term.
I hope I have provided a few tips for you to try and erase your privilege. Not being racist is a good thing (although normal if you ask me), but if you stay silent on race issues, you’re still contributing to racism. However, it is important that you remember not to speak over people of color, because it is their issues. It’s their voices that matter. This is also a part of your privilege. Unfortunately, white people are more likely to be preached for talking about black issues than black people themselves. So instead of speaking over black people, boost their voices. Share tweets, articles, speeches, videos made by black people. These are not your issues: let the victims raise their voices, and help them do it.
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