America has never been on the right side of history, whether it’s war, imperialism or in more present times, hosting Israeli Prime Minister (despite the U.N. declaring Israel and apartheid state) at the White House. This draws some contrast to my country, South Africa. Its troubles stem from a history that was never corrected. A history of gross inequity and inequality. A history of deprivation of black people – apartheid and colonization. As we speak a large stake of the economy is owned by a minority – white people. So black emancipation is still a concept that we haven’t quite achieved. On the surface, we have political freedom but how helpful is political freedom if for two-decades, a large majority of historically disadvantaged people are still struggling for their next meal.
America and South Africa’s destructive and regressive paths have one thing in common, white people. If you don’t agree with this, stop reading this article, it’s not for you. It’s not an all white people are bad piece, it’s an all white people benefit from systems that disadvantage others piece but they can do their part to counterattack this.
Here’s how:
- Listen
Marginalized groups are often not heard or spoken over. Offer them a platform to speak their own truth if you have the means. Listen attentively to what marginalized people put out, ask questions (without being ignorant) and importantly, the words “How can I help?” should be an active part of your vocabulary.
- Acknowledge
I’ve had white people tell me that they’re “waiting for their privilege to deposit itself into their bank accounts”, It’s funny but only because clueless was such a great movie and most people don’t know but it was satire. Clueless pokes fun at white people’s entitlement, privileges and utter disconnect from what’s happening in worlds outside their own and the historical impact whiteness has made in providing white people with white privilege. Acknowledge your white privilege so that you can use it to help marginalized people, be it during protests or conversations.
- Utilize
Use your resources. No, wearing a safety pin is not showing solidarity. No, taking a photo of a service delivery protest and giving it to the media is not showing solidarity and no, “touring“ townships is not showing solidarity. It’s important for you to do things that will not make you feel better about yourself, try do things that will make marginalized folks feel better. Donate, actively help, call, read, encourage and physically be there when it’s a protest that doesn’t directly affect you – that’s what solidarity is. Selfless support.
- Educate
Teach each other what it means to be a good ally. Talk about why protests are happening, correct each other and if you need more clarity, call that one black person you’re only friends with to prove that you’re not racist. Teach other white people to be tolerant and woke. Yes, white people are allowed to be woke too. Any person who is a warrior for social justice deserves the woke medal in my books.
