In a heteronormative society, it is appropriate, and even expected for women to love their oppressors. — Good White Person

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.

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 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.