Listening and Learning
“We need to be clear that there is no such thing as giving up one’s privilege to be ‘outside’ the system. One is always in the system. The only question is whether one is part of the system in a way that challenges or strengthens the status quo. Privilege is not something I take and which therefore have the option of not taking. It is something that society gives me, and unless I change the institutions which give it to me, they will continue to give it, and I will continue to have it, however noble and equalitarian my intentions.”
− Harry Brod, “Work Clothes and Leisure Suits: The Class Basis and Bias of the Men’s Movement,” in Men’s Lives, ed. Michael S. Kimmel and Michael Messner (New York: Macmillan, 1989), 280.
Being white, anti-racist, and still having a lot to learn, this has been a time to observe, listen, donate, and select some resources that might be helpful for others. And by others, I mean other white folks, who are wondering how to get involved and informed. First and foremost, let’s listen to the non-privileged voices. The voices of those who have real, lived experiences of racism and microaggressions in this world. I am not one of those voices so I’m not going to use this platform to Whitesplain anything. Instead, I’m posting here with a few resources:
Dana Brownlee’s recent post:
Dear White People: Here Are 5 Uncomfortable Truths Black Colleagues Need You To Know
Take Action:
Video, about 90 minutes long:
How to be an anti-racist parent
Another one for parents:
Talking to children about racism
I hope to find more resources to pass on to all of us who still have a lot to learn. In the meantime: Listen, learn, and take care of each other.