· A LITTLE KNOWLEDGE CAN GO A LONG WAY
· A LOT OF PROFESSIONALS ARE CRACKPOTS
· A MAN CAN’T KNOW WHAT IT’S LIKE TO BE A MOTHER
· A NAME MEANS A LOT JUST BY ITSELF
· A POSITIVE ATTITUDE MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD
· A RELAXED MAN IS NOT NECESSARILY A BETTER MAN
· A SENSE OF TIMING IS THE MARK OF A GENIUS
· A SINCERE EFFORT IS ALL YOU CAN ASK
· A SINGLE EVENT CAN HAVE INFINITELY MANY INTERPRETATIONS
· A SOLID HOME BASE BUILDS A SENSE OF SELF
· A STRONG SENSE OF DUTY IMPRISONS YOU
· ABSOLUTE SUBMISSION CAN BE A FORM OF FREEDOM
· ABSTRACTION IS A TYPE OF DECADENCE
· ABUSE OF POWER COMES AS NO SURPRISE
· ACTION CAUSES MORE TROUBLE THAN THOUGHT
· ALIENATION PROCUES ECCENTRICS OR REVOLUTIONARIES
· ALL THINGS ARE DELICATELY INTERCONNECTED
· AMBITION IS JUST AS DANGEROUS AS COMPLACENCY
· AMBIVALENCE CAN RUIN YOUR LIFE
· AN ELITE IS INEVITABLE
· ANGER OR HATE CAN BE A USEFUL MOTIVATIVING FORCE
· ANIMALISM IS PERFECTLY HEALTHY
· ANY SURPLUS IS IMMORAL
· ANYTHING IS A LEGITIMATE AREA OF IN VESTIGATION
· ARTIFICIAL DESIRES ARE DESPOILING THE EARTH
· AT TIMES INACTIVITY IS PREFERABLE TO MINDLESS FUNCTIONING
· AT TIMES YOUR UNCONSCIOUS IS TRUER THAN YOUR CONSCIOUS MIND
· AUTOMATION IS DEADLY
· AWFUL PUNISHMENT AWAITS REALLY BAD PEOPLE
· BAD INTENTIONS CAN YIELD GOOD RESULTS
· BEING ALONE WITH YOURSELF IS INCREASINGLY UNPOPULAR
· BEING HAPPY IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN ANYTHING ELSE
· BEING HONEST IS NOT ALWAYS THE KINDEST WAY
· BEING JUDGEMENTAL IS A SIGN OF LIFE
· BEING SURE OF YOURSELF MEANS YOU’RE A FOOL
· BELIEVING IN REBIRTH IS THE SAME AS ADMITTING DEFEAT
· BOREDOM MAKES YOU DO CRAZY THINGS
· CALM IS MORE CONDUCIVE TO CREATIVITY THAN IS ANXIETY
· CATERGORIZING FEAR IS CALMING
· CHANGE IS VALUABLE WHEN YHE OPRESSED BECOME THE TYRANTS
· CHASING THE NEW IS DANGEROUS TO SOCIETY
· CHILDREN ARE THE CRUELEST OF ALL
· CHILDREN ARE THE HOPE OF THE FUTURE
· CLASS ACTION IS A NICE IDEA WITH NO SUBSTANCE
· CLASS STRUCTIURE IS AS ARTIFICIAL AS PLASTIC
· CONFUSING YOURSELF IS A WAY TO STAY HONEST
· CRIME AGAINST PROPERTY IS RELATIVELY UNIMPORTANT
· DECADENCE CAN BE AN END IN ITSELF
· DECENY IS A RELATIVE THING
· DEPENDENCE CAN BE A MEAL TICKET
· DESCRIPTION IS MORE VALUABLE THAN METAPHOR
· DEVIANTS ARE SACRIFICED TO INCREASE GROUP SOLIDARITY
· DISGUST IS THE APPROPRIATE RESPONSE TO MOSE SITUATIONS
· DISORGANIZATION IS A KIND OF ANESTHESIA
· DON’T PLACE TOO MUCH TRUST IN EXPERTS
· DON’T RUIN PEOPLE’S LIVES FOR THEM
· DRAMA OFTEN OBSCURES THE REAL ISSUES
· DREAMING WHILE AWAKE IS A FRIGHTENING CONTRADICTION
· DYING AND COMING BACK GIVES YOU CONSIDERABLE PERSPECTIVE
· DYING SHOULD BE EASY AS FALLING OFF A LOG
· EATING TOO MUCH IS CRIMINAL
· ELABORATION IS A FORM OF POLLUTION
· EMOTIONAL RESPONSES ARE AS VAULABLE AS INTELLECTUAL RESPONSES
· ENJOY YOURSELF BECAUSE YOU CAN’T CHANGE ANYTHING ANYWAY
· ENSURE THAT YOUR LIFE STAYS IS FLUX
· EVEN YOUR FAMILY CAN BETRAY YOU
· EVERY ACHIEVMENT REQUIRES A SACRIFICE
· EVERYONE’S WORK IS EQUALLY IMPORTANT
· EVERYTHING THAT’S INTERESTING IS NEW
· EXCEPTIONAL PEOPLE DESERVE SPECIAL CONSESSIONS
· EXPIRING FOR LOVE IS BEAUTIFUL BUT STUPID
· EXPRESSING ANGER IS NECESSARY
· EXTREME BEHAVIOR HAS ITS BASIS IN PATHOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY
· EXTREME SELF-CONSCIOUSNESS LEADS TO PERVERSION
· FAITHFULNESS IS A SOCIAL NOT A BIOLOGICAL LAW
· FAKE OR REAL INDIFFERENCE IS A POWERFUL PERSONAL WEAPON
· FATHERS OFTEN USE TOO MUCH FORCE
· FEAR IS TEH GREATEST INCAPACITATOR
· FREEDOM IS A LUXURY NOT A NECESSITY
· GIVING FREE REIN TO YOUR EMOTIONS IS AN HONEST WAY TO LIVE
· GO ALL OUT IN ROMANCE AND LET THE CHIPS FALL WHERE THEY MAY
· GOING WITH THE FLOW IS SOOTHING BUT RISKY
· GOOD DEEDS EVENTUALLY ARE REWARDED
· GOVERNMENT IS A BURDEN ON THE PEOPLE
· GRASS ROOTS AGITATION IS THE ONLY HOPE
· GUILT AND SELF-LACERATION ARE INDULGENCES
· HABITUAL CONTEMPT DOESN’T REFLECT A FINER SENSIBILITY
· HIDING YOUR MOTIVES IS DESPICABLE
· HOLDING BACK PROTECTS YOUR VITAL ENERGIES
· HUMANISM IS OBSELETE
· HUMOR IS A RELEASE
· IDEALS ARE REPLACED BY CONVENTIONAL GOALS AT A CERTAIN AGE
· IF YOU AREN’T POLITICAL YOUR PERSONAL LIFE SHOULD BE EXEMPLARY
· IF YOU CAN’T LEAVE YOUR MARK GIVE UP
· IF YOU HAVE MANY DESIRES LIFE WILL BE INTERESTING
· IF YOU LIVE SIMPLY THERE IS NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT
· IGNORING ENEMIES IS THE BEST WAY TO FIGHT
· ILLNESS IS A STATE OF MIND
· IMPOSING ORDER IS MAN’S VOCATION FOR CHAOS IS HELL
· IN SOME INSTANCES IT’S BETTER TO DIE THAN TO CONTINUE
· INHERITANCE MUST BE ABOLISHED
· IT CAN BE HELPFUL TO KEEP GOING NO MATTER WHAT
· IT IS HEROICE TO TRY TO STOP TIME
· IT IS MAN’S FATE TO OUTSMART HIMSELF
· IT’S A GIFT TO THE WORLD NO TO HAVE BABIES
· IT’S BETTER TO BE A GOOD PERSON THAN A FAMOUS PERSON
· IT’S BETTER TO BE LONELY THAN TO BE WITH INFERIOR PEOPLE
· IT’S BETTER TO BE NAIVE THAN JADED
· IT’S BETTER TO STUDY THE LIVING TFACT THAN TO ANALYZE HISTORY
· IT’S CRUCIAL TO HAVE AN ACTIVE FANTASY LIFE
· IT’S GOOD TO GIVE EXTRA MONEY TO CHARITY
· IT’S IMPORTANT TO STAY CLEAN ON ALL LEVELS
· IT’S IMPOSSIBLE TO RECONCILE YOUR HEART AND HEAD
· IT’S JUST AN ACCIDENT YOUR PARENTS ARE YOUR PARENTS
· IT’S NOT GOOD TO HOLD TOO MANY ABSOLUTES
· IT’S NOT GOOD TO OPERATE ON CREDIT
· IT’S VITAL TO LIVE IN HARMONY WITH NATURE
· JUST BELIEVING SOMETHING CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN
· KEEP SOMETHING IN RESERVE FOR EMERGENCIES
· KILLING IS UNAVOIDABLE BUT IS NOTHING TO BE PROUD OF
· KNOWING YOURSELF LETS YOU UNDERSTAND OTHERS
· KNOWLEDGE SHOULD BE ADVANCED AT ALL COSTS
· LABOR IS A LIFE DESTROYING ACTIVITY
· LACK OF CHARISMA CAN BE FATAL
· LEARN THING FROM THE GROUND UP
· LEARN TO TRUST YOUR OWN EYES
· LEISURE TIME IS A GIGANTIC SMOKESCREEN
· LETTING GO IS THE HARDEST THING TO DO
· LISTEN WHEN YOUR BODY TALKS
· LOOKING BACK IS THE FIRST SIGN OF AGING AND DECAY
· LOVING ANIMALS IS A SUBSITUTE ACTIVITY
· LOW EXPECTATIONS ARE GOOD PROTECTION
· MANUAL LABOR CAN BE REFRESHING AND WHOLESOME
· MEN ARE NOT MONOGAMOUS BY NATURE
· MODERATION KILLS THE SPIRIT
· MONEY CREATES TASTE
· MONOMANIA IS A PREREQUISITE OF SUCCESS
· MORALS ARE FOR LITTLE PEOPLE
· MOST PEOPLE ARE NOT FIT TO RULE THEMSELVES
· MOSTLY YOU SHOULD MIND YOUR OWN BUISNESS
· MOTHERS SHOULDN’T MAKE TOO MANY SACRIFICES
· MUCH WAS DECIDED BEFORE YOU WHERE BORN
· MURDER HAS ITS SEXUAL SIDE
· MYTHS MAKE REALITY MORE INTELLIGIBLE
· NOISE CAN BE HOSTILE
· NOTHING UPSETS THE BALANCE OF GOOD AND EVIL
· OCCASIONALLY PRINCIPLES ARE MORE VALUABLE THAN PEOPLE
· OFFER VERY LITTLE INFORMATION ABOUT YOURSELF
· OFTEN YOU SHOULD ACT LIKE UOU ARE SEXLESS
· OLD FRIENDS ARE BETTER LEFT IN THE PAST
· OPACITY IS AN IRRESISTIBLE CHALLENGE
· PAIN CAN BE A VERY POSITIVE THING
· PEOPLE ARE BORING UNLESS THEY ARE EXTREMISTS
· PEOPLE ARE NUTS IF THEY THINK THEY ARE IMPORTANT
· PEOPLE ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR WHAT THEY DO UNLESS THEY’RE INSANE
· PEOPLE WHO DON’T WORK WITH THEIR HANDS ARE PARASITES
· PEOPLE GO CRAZY ARE TOO SENSITIVE
· PEOPLE WON’T BEHAVE IF THEY HAVE NOTHING TO LOSE
· PHYSICAL CULTURE IS SECOND-BEST
· PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE IS ESCAPISM
· PLAYING IT SAFE CAN CAUSE A LOT OF DAMAGE IN THE LONG RUN
· POLITICS IS USED FOR PERSONAL GAIN
· POTENTIAL COUNTS FOR NOTHING UNTIL IT’S REALIZED
· PRESENTATION IS AS IMPORTANT AS CONTENT
· PURSUING PLEASURE FOR THE SAKE OF PLEASURE WILL RUIN YOU
· PUSH YOURSELF TO THE LIMIT AS OFTEN AS POSSIBLE
· RAISE BOYS AND GIRLS THE SAME WAY
· RANDOM MATING IS GOOD FOR DEBUNKING SEX MYTHS
· RECHANNELING DESTRUCTIVE IMPULSES IS A SIGN OF MATURITY
· RECLUSES ALWAYS GET WEAK
· REDISTRIBUTING WEALTH IS IMPERATIVE
· REALITIVITY IS NO BOON TO MANKIND
· RELIGION CAUSES AS MANY PROBLEMS AS IT SOLVES
· REMEMBER YOU ALWAYS HAVE FREEDOM OF CHOICE
· REPETITION IS THE BEST WAY TO LEARN
· RESOLUTIONS SERVE TO EASE YOUR CONSCIENCE
· REVOLUTION BEGINS WITH THE CHANGES IN THE INDIVIDUAL
· ROMANTIC LOVE WAS INVENTED TO MANIPULATE WOMEN
· ROUTINE IS A LINK WITH THE PAST
· ROUTINE SMALL EXCESSES ARE WORSE THAN THE OCCASIONAL EBAUCH
· SACRIFICING YOURSELF FOR A BAD CAUSE IS NOT A MORAL ACT
· SALVATION CAN’T BE BOUGHT AND SOLD
· SELF-AWARENESS CAN BE CRIPPLING
· SELF-CONTEMPT CAN DO MORE HARM THAN GOOD
· SELFISHNESS IS THE MOST BASIC MOTIVATION
· SELFLESSNESS IS THE HIGHEST ACHIEVMENT
· SEPRATISM IS THE WAY TO A NEW BEGINNING
· SEX DIFFERENCES ARE HERE TO STAY
· SIN IS A MEANS OF SOCIAL CONTROL
· SLIPPING INTO MADNESS IS GOOD FOR THE SAKE OF COMPARISON
· SLOPPY THINKING GETS WORSE OVER TIME
· SOLITUDE IS ENRICHING
· SOME STONES ARE BETTER LEFT UNTURNED
· SOME WOUNDS NEVER HEAL
· SOMETIMES ALL YOU CAN DO IS LOOK THE OTHER WAY
· SOMETIMES SCIENCE ADVANCES FASTER THAN IT SHOULD
· SOMETIMES THINGS SEEMS TO HAPPEN OF THEIR OWN ACCORD
· SPENDING TOO MUCH TIME ON SELF-IMPROVEMENT IS ANTI-SOCIAL
· STARVATION IS NATURE’S WAY
· STATIS IS A DREAM STATE
· STERLIZATION IS THE WEAPON OF THE RULERS
· STRONG EMOTIONAL ATTACHMENT STEMS FROM BASIC INSECURITY
· STUPID PEOPLE SHOULDN’T BREED
· SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST APPLIES TO MEN AND ANIMALS
· SYMBOLS ARE MORE MEANINGFUL THAN THINGS THEMSELVES
· TAKING A STRONG STAND PUBLICIZES THE OPPOSITE POSITION
· TALKING IS USED TO HIDE ONE’S INABILITY TO ACT
· TEASING PEOPLE SEXUALLY CAN HAVE UGLY CONSEQUENCES
· TECHNOLOGY WILL MAKE OR BREAK US
· THE CRUELEST DISAPPOINTMENT IS WHEN YOU LET YOURSELF DOWN
· THE DESIRE TO REPRODUCE IS A DEATH WISH
· THE FAMILY IS LIVING ON BORROWED TIME
· THE IDEA OF REVOLUTION IS AN ADOLESCENT FANTASY
· THE IDEA OF TRANSCENDENCE IS USED TO OBSCURE OPPRESSION
· THE IDIOSYNCRATIC HAS LOST ITS AUTHORITY
· THE LAND BELONGS TO NO ONE
· THE MORE YOU KNOW THE BETTER YOU ARE
· THE MOST PROFOUND THINGS ARE INEXPRESSIBLE
· THE MUNDANE IS TO BE CHERISHED
· THE NEW IS NOTHING BUT A RESTATEMENT OF THE OLD
· THE ONLY WAY TO BE PURE IS TO STAY YOURSELF
· THE SUM OF ALL YOUR ACTIONS DETERMINES WHAT YOU ARE
· THE UNATTAINABLE INVARIABLE IS ATTRACTIVE
· THE WORLD OPERATES ACCORDING TO DISCOVERABLE LAWS
· THERE ARE TOO FEW IMMUTABLE TRUTHS TODAY
· THERE’S A FINE LINE BETWEEN INFORMATION AND PROPAGANDA
· THERE’S NO SENSE BEING ANYWHERE BUT THE TOP OF THE HEAP
· THERE’S NOTHING EXCEPT WHAT YOU SENSE
· THERE’S NOTHING REDEEMING IN TOIL
· THINKING TOO MUCH CAN ONLY CAUSE PROBLEMS
· THREATENING SOMEONE SEXUALLY IS A HORRIBLE ACT
· TIMIDITY IS LAUGHABLE
· TO DISAGREE PRESUPPOSES MORAL INTREGRITY
· TO VOLUNTEER IS REACTIONARY
· TORTURE IS BARBARIC
· TRADING A LIFE FOR A LIFE IS FAIR ENOUGH
· TRUE FREEDOM IS FRIGHTFUL
· UNIQUE THINGS MUST BE THE MOST VALUABLE
· UNQUESTIONING LOVE DEMONSTRATES THE LARGESSE OF SPIRIT
· USING FORCE TO STOP FORCE IS ABSURD
· VIOLENCE IS PERMISSIBLE EVEN DESIRABLE OCCASIONALLY
· WAR IS THE PURIFICATION RITE
· WE MUST MAKE SACRIFICES TO MAINTAIN OUR QUALITY OF LIFE
· WHEN SOMETHING TERRIBLE HAPPENS PEOPLE WAKE UP
· WISHING THINGS AWAY IS NOT EFFECTIVE
· WITH PERSEVERANCE YOU CAN DISCOVER ANY TRUTH
· WORDS TEND TO BE INADEQUATE
· WORRYING CAN HELP YOU PREPARE
· YOU ARE A VICTIM OF THE RULES YOU LIVE BY
· YOU ARE GUIELESS IN YOUR DREAMS
· YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR CONSTITUTING THE MEANING OF THINGS
· YOU ARE THE PAST PRESENT AND FUTURE
· YOU CAN LIVE THROUGH YOUR DESCENDANTS
· YOU CAN NEVER OUTRUN YOURSELF
· YOU CAN PULL YOURSELF OUT OF ANY HOLE
· YOU CAN’T EXPECT PEOPLE TO BE SOMETHING THEY’RE NOT
· YOU CAN’T FOOL OTHERS IF YOU’RE FOOLING YOURSELF
· YOU DIG YOUR OWN GRAVE
· YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT’S WHAT UNTIL YOU SUPPORT YOURSELF
· YOU GET THE FACE YOU DESERVE
· YOU HAVE TO HURT OTHERS TO BE EXTRODINARY
· YOU MUST BE INTIMATE WITH A TOKEN FEW
· YOU MUST DISAGREE WITH AUTHORITY FIGURES
· YOU MUST HAVE ONE GRAND PASSION
· YOU MUST KNOW WHERE YOU STOP AND THE WORLD BEGINS
· YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT PEOPLE REALLY THINK ABOUT YOU
· YOU ONLY CAN UNDERSTAND SOMEONE OF YOUR OWN SEX
· YOU OWN THE WORLD NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND
· YOU SHOULD TRAVEL LIGHT
· YOU SHOULD STUDY AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE
· YOUR ACTIONS ARE POINTLESS IF NO ONE NOTICES
· YOUR OLDEST FEARS ARE THE WORST ONES
Give me a minute here…
When I started this tumblr, I expected it to be this secret, cathartic little diary that would also set the world aflame with awareness about racism and white privilege. I mean, that was my best, absolutely grandest outcome that I visioned for my writing. I made a promise to myself that I wouldn’t reblog more than 1 thing a day, and I plan on sticking to that part. One thing that definitely sets me apart from the majority of the tumblesphere is that I don’t feel like an infographic or a meme can exactly define me or my opinions, so I never post them. The result is lots of boring, text posts.
Whoa getting off on a tangent here. What I’m trying to say is…After acquiring a few followers and following a few people, I’m really inspired to write about some of the things I’m seeing out there. I’m almost grateful that tumblr doesn’t include an easy, integrated way to comment. That means that if I see something inspiring, I’m likely to write my own post about it.
So I’m going to move to a wider topic, and we’ll see what that topic is based on the things I’m inspired to write about.
OK!
They don’t teach you this in school. They don’t show you the beauty of existing, they don’t show you the wonder of the earth, they don’t show you the unity that human beings are. They show you who’s better, who’s worse. They show you what they need to show you in order for their system to survive.
(via mysticsoul)
Martin Luther King Jr Day Festival
I went to the Martin Luther King Jr Day Festival at Huston Tillotson University today, and guess what I saw?
Racism Divides the 99%
Racism Divides the 99% - Tips for White People to Challenge Racism at Occupy Seattle
Racism Divides the 99%
As a means to repress the increasing militancy and solidarity of Native, African, & European workers, European men of wealth created the idea of the white race. Whiteness extended privileges to people of European decent at the expense of non-Europeans (ie: people of color). When we talk about racism, it is about this legacy: a system that serves to benefit white people and oppress people of color. And wherever there has been racial oppression, there has been powerful resistance from people of color and small groups of white anti-racists. Talking about racism does not divide this movement….racism divides this movement.
“Why are people of color trying to divide us? We are all the 99%”
The ongoing legacies of slavery, genocide, imperialism and forced migration are dividing the 99%, not people of color who fight against these conditions. The idea of “us” assumes a common experience that does not exist. As more white people begin to feel the pain of economic injustice, we need to remember that economic crisis has been a constant in communities of color. White folks have an opportunity to acknowledge, honor, and center the leadership of working-class people of color.
“While the police arrest US, crack is being sold on Pike & 3rd.”
While police arrest protestors, they are also waging a war on working-class communities of color called “The War on Drugs”. This slogan assumes there are some people undeserving of arrest (ie: non-crack-using white protestors) and other folks who deserve arrest (ie: communities of color). Additionally, people of color are penalized far more often and harshly, despite higher drug use in white communities. This quote supports racist patterns of incarceration and invalidates the experiences that tie the folks at 3rd and Pike (and people of color more broadly) to this struggle.
“Police brutality is a separate issue.”
The institution of the police in the United States was created to capture “runaway slaves” of African decent, ie: to control communities based on their class and race. This continues today. The priorities of white people do not speak for everyone. Only by centering the experiences, issues and leadership of communities at margins (communities of color) can we create transformative change.
“Occupy is our name and we would be divided if it changed”
The word “occupy” is rooted in the legacy of the genocide and colonization of indigenous peoples and the communities of color generally. As a disproportionately white movement, the “Occupy” name was decided without authentic conversation with communities of color (hence the critique). We need to transform our language and framework in a way that honors the experience of communities of color. This will not only move us to decolonizing institutions, but also our minds and bodies.
“Racism is a problem, but I don’t see why people of color need to be angry and extreme.”
White people have consistently been fearful of people of color organizing for their own liberation: from slave revolts to rallies for migrant justice. By sharing their experiences as legitimate rage, people of color are giving white folks a powerful gift. Let us remember the power of oppression and recognize that anger is a justified response. We encourage white folks to resist getting defensive or shutting down, and instead be thankful, deeply reflect and take more informed action in the future.
“Why do people hate me for who I am?”
White folks need to understand how deeply racism shapes everyone’s reality, as it has played out throughout all aspects of United States history (including contemporary social movements). No one hates you as an individual for being white, so please don’t hate yourself. However…as a white person, you have a responsibility to be very critical of the impact of your privilege, take ownership of your actions and commit to learning from mistakes.
“I don’t know what to say, so I think it’s best I be silent.”
Although white folks talk far more often than we listen, the solution is not to be silent. Far too often the burden of educating white folks about racism falls on the backs of people of color. Our nervousness does not bring about liberation and remember that our silence keeps us complicit. White folks need to speak up in favor of racial justice and also be open to taking risks, learning along the way, and finding ways to speak that do not overshadow people of color.
White folks sitting with discomfort and guilt -
As the 99% faces economic hardship, white communities have access to far more resources than communities of color. White people in the United States disproportionately have more access to housing, medical care, social services, employment, and broader economic resources. Meanwhile, people of color disproportionately face foreclosures, lack of access to health insurance, unemployment and are denied basic social services. We also know that the top 1% is disproportionately white. This realization can cause many white people discomfort, guilt, or denial of our roles in racism. This guilt and discomfort can be a major barrier, and the solution isn’t to remain silent or ignore the problem - the solution is to practice accountability and speak up!
Guidelines For Being a White Ally - adapted from Paul Kivel’s Guildelines for Being Strong White Allies.
- Assume racism is everywhere, every day. White people have had the privilege of not noticing race and racism around us. Practice noticing it, who speaks, who has power, and how racism is minimized, denied, and justified.
- Understand the connections between racism, economic issues, sexism, and other forms of oppression.
- Take risks, speak up. Intervene in situations where racism is being passed on. It is scary and can be uncomfortable to do so, but your speaking up will change people’s minds. It is your job, as a white person, to point out where racism is playing out.
- Be strategic. Decide what is important to challenge and what’s not. Attack the source of power.
- Don’t call names or be personally abusive. Attacking people doesn’t address the systemic nature of racism and inequality.
- Actively support the leadership, agency, and autonomy of people of color.
- Show up, listen, and be real.
- Learn something about the history of white people who have worked for racial justice. There is a long history of white people who have fought for racial justice. Their stories can inspire and sustain you.
- Don’t do it alone. You will not end racism yourself. We can do it if we work together. Build support, establish networks, and work with already established groups.
Honor the People of Color Caucus
An important practice of social movement organizing is caucusing. In order to create a safe and autonomous space to discuss the issues that impact their lives on their own terms, people of color have called a caucus. Anti-racist white folks can honor this by discouraging fellow white people to enter that space, educate fellow white people on the importance of anti-racism and organizing white people to attend workshops. Yes, people of color are targeted by racism, but that doesn’t mean that POC are helpless victims and can’t speak on their own behalf. We were told by a friend in the POC caucus, “we need allies in it WITH us, not leading us”.
On the one hand I think it’s interesting and hopeful that white people (because POC don’t need another lesson) are personally identifying with the horrific injustice of Mr. Davis’ case, and that they are mobilizing. That they are recognizing how racially unequal the justice and prison system is,…
On my reading list right now. “Excuse me can you please pass the privilege” is a really great zine that I’ve actually read a few times, but keep returning to it because of the way it plainly explains class, race, and gender privilege. You can print a copy (if you have a 2 sided printer, choose the ‘flip on short edge’ option) from here: http://zinelibrary.info/excuse-me-can-you-please-pass-privilege
Starhawk’s “The Empowerment Manual” seems to have come out at just the right time, as Occupy movements pop up all over the world. This is turning out to be an invaluable resource on how to form a collective group, from the ground up, with balanced power structures and inclusiveness in mind. Starhawk draws on 40 years of experience in the social justice movement and speaks candidly and honestly about the mistakes she’s encountered.
