How to Be A White Ally 6
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T
he battle of racial injustice has plagued our country for hundreds of years. What makes today’s discussion of race different than that of previous generations is that we’re living in a technological age where communication is connecting and mobilizing BlackAmericans. Social media sites, such as Twitter and Facebook, have been able to build and mobilize Black activists -take example, #Black Lives Matter and #Ferguson as examples- to organize and build momentum for activism.Those who are not a people of color (POC) and who choose to help with this fight, there are several ways they can become involved without feeling like a savior. Below you will find some important terms for white allies written by white activists, which serve as a better lens to understand the racial climate in our country; you will also see basic tactics and guidelines on being a good “white ally.” Paul Kivel, a white activist, explained to me, via a phone interview, the following terms: White Dominance, White Guilt, White Privilege and White Fragility.
White Dominance Because whiteness is dominant and central to mainstream culture, such as our ideals of
beauty and success, it is hard for whites to see themselves as a racial group that is a part of the racial hierarchy. An example of white dominance would be if a white person described a person of color (POC) in conversation when it might not be necessary. However, a description of a white person normally does not include the term “white,” however more likely, the description will refer to the person’s apperance. We are all consciously and subconsciously striving for “whiteness.” This assertion of dominance has been a powerful force in preventing our society from achieving the goal of becoming truly multicultural.
White Guilt An example of white guilt, as it specifically relates to racism, is when white people extend themselves to an ethnic community in order to understand other cultures who have suffered because of the dominance of white culture. Once met with their own whiteness, Whites begin to recognize the moral dilemma of being white, They appreciate and enjoy the privileges of being white but they realize those privileges are not extended to all people. They realize, in
Triggers of White Fragility 1. Suggesting that a white person’s viewpoint comes from a radicalized frame of reference (challenge to objectivity) 2. People of color talking directly about their racial perspectives (challenge to white racial codes) 3. People of color choosing not to protect the racial feelings of white people in regards to race (challenge to white racial expectations and need/ entitlement to racial comfort) 4. People of color not being willing to tell their stories or answer questions about their racial experiences (challenge to colonialist relations) 5. A fellow white not providing agreement with one’s interpretations (challenge to white solidarity) 6. Receiving feedback that one’s behavior had a racist impact (challenge to white liberalism) 7. Suggesting that group membership is significant (challenge to individualism) 8. An acknowledgment that access is unequal between racial groups (challenge to meritocracy) 9. Being presented with a person of color in a position of leadership (challenge to white authority) 10. Being presented with information about other racial groups through, for example, movies in which people of color drive the action but are not in stereotypical roles, or multicultural education.
particular, that such privileges are denied to those who are not white, and, thus they, feel guilty.
White Privilege Privilege or benefits can look like many things, such as being able to live in a desirable neighborhood or having access to better schools and jobs but when these privileges are based on skin color, specifically white skin, these privileges become white privilege.Whites are unaware that they have such privileges and that other marginalized groups do not have the same privilege. It is often difficult for many whites to accept that they have privileges and they may become defensive once confronted.
White Fragility One of the first steps in dismantling racism and becoming a white ally is to understand one’s own whiteness. White Fragility, coined by Robin DiAngelo and author of White Fragility: Why it’s so Hard for White People to Talk about Racism, focuses on the uncomfortable reactions that white people have, once confronted with their whiteness and the racial injustice linked to it. It is difficult to come to terms with the harm that their
whiteness and passive privilege have done to people of color. White Fragility is the byproduct of white people living in a social environment that does not confront racial problems, which therefore lowers their tolerance and racial understanding. There are several triggers of White Fragility (listed to the left). It is ubiquitous in our society and is very visible to both blacks and whites.
A White Savior There are several examples in which white social justice fighters act as a savior rather than an ally to POCs. The most visible example of being a white savior occurs when white volunteers go to impoverished parts of the world to “help the poor.” Some may argue that this is a type of post-colonialism (Europeans stealing from Africa, Europeans coming back to “help”) and that people do this as a way of purging themselves of their own white guilt.White Saviors tend to dominate the discussion around race and use their own white privilege to help POCs. This frame of thinking does not help the black community. Allies for racial injustice are white people who align themselves with people of color, in order to
fight against racial injustice for a multicultural society. Being an ally also require a white person to undo ones own racism and to recognize white supremacy and privilege. White racial justice activists Paul Kivel and Gary Howard are helping other white activists in their community to help fight injustice. Kivel is the co-founder of the Oakland Men’s Project, which has training programs designed to prevent male violence, combat discrimination and promote social justice. Howard has over 40 years of experience working on issues of social justice and civil rights, and he is the founder of the REACH Center for Multicultural Education. Both activists have stressed the importance of having black spaces to help mobilize black people in their communities.
Black Spaces Matter The need for a black-only space is a direct response to both white fragility and white dominance. Within white spaces, it is normal for neighborhoods, universities, churches and other institutions to be predominately white, where blacks are not present. Black people understand that they are not granted such privileges, once they enter these spaces and have to both navigate and accept these
circumstances.White people, however, are not met with these qualms once they enter black spaces or community. One of the issues concerning black spaces is the fear whites have once entering black spaces. To whites, black spaces or black communities are usually associated with poverty and violence. These ideas are reinforced by the white media, which perpetuates these ideas, especially among those who do not have direct contact with black people or black communities. This, in turn, instills fear and drives whites to dismantle black spaces. The need for a black space is even greater now. There are countless stories of young black millenials who are challenged once they are in an all white space. Black spaces matter because they allow blacks to build, educate, and heal their own community. Just like an all-women space offers the security for females to speak freely about issues that affect women, without the input of a male, black people need a similar space. Not only is a black space needed to be safe from racial bias, but it is also needed to reexamine society and determine how to better navigate and use responsible tactics and life tools to fight against racial injustice.
Conclusion
The purpose of being a white ally is not to just support black causes but also to understand the white culture which we are living in, that perpetuates, these dominant, divide and conquer ideas. To overcome this dilemma, we must critically analyze the brutality, discrimination, attacks against blacks and the profiling of people of color and minorities in this country. Whites not only have to accept and understand this change but also understand their own whiteness and their own culture, separate from their being known as the dominant group, in order for true justice to prevail.
Basic Tactics
“Don’t take over”
Persevere daily
Listen to us
Your body on the line
Interrupt jokes and comments”
12. Don’t do it alone. You will not end racism by yourself. We can do it if we work together. Build support, establish networks, and work with already established groups.
“Find out about us”
Stand by my side
“Money”
“Don’t assume you know what’s best for me”
“Understanding”
“Resources”
“Honesty”
Your body on the line
“Talk to other white people”
“Make mistakes”
“Speak up”
“Take risks”
Don’t take it personally”
Don’t ask me to speak for my people”
Guidelines For Being Strong White Allies Teach your children” about racism”
“ “Don’t make assumptions”
13. Talk with your children and other young people about racism.
11. 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.
10. Support the leadership of people of color. Do this consistently, but not uncritically.
8. Don’t confuse a battle with the war. Behind particular incidents and interactions are larger patterns. Racism is flexible and adaptable. There will be gains and losses in the struggle for justice and equality.
9. Don’t call names or be personally abusive. Since power is often defined as power over others— the ability to abuse or control people—it is easy to become abusive ourselves. However, we usually end up abusing people who have less power than we do because it is less dangerous. Attacking people doesn’t address the systemic nature of racism and inequality.
7. Be strategic. Decide what is important to challenge and what’s not. Think about strategy in particular situations. Attlack the source of power.
2. Notice who is the center of attention and who is the center of power. Racism works by directing violence and blame toward people of color and consolidating power and privilege for white people.
6. Take a stand against injustice. Take risks. It is scary, difficult, and may bring up feelings of inadequacy, lack of self-confidence, indecision, or fear of making mistakes, but ultimately it is the only healthy and moral human thing to do. Intervene in situations where racism is being passed on.
4. Understand and learn from the history of whiteness and racism. Notice how racism has changed over time and how it has subverted or resisted challenges. Study the tactics that have worked effectively against it.
5. Understand the connections between racism, economic issues, sexism, and other forms of injustice.
3. Notice how racism is denied, minimized, and justifed.
1. Assume racism is everywhere, every day. Just as economics influences everything we do, just as gender and gender politics influence everything we do, assume that racism is affecting your daily life. We assume this because it’s true, and because a privilege of being white is the freedom to not deal with racism all the time. We have to learn to see the effect that racism has. Notice who speaks, what is said, how things are done and described. Notice who isn’t present when racist talk occurs. Notice code words for race, and the implications of the policies, patterns, and comments that are being expressed. You already notice the skin color of everyone you meet—now notice what difference it makes.
“Provide information”
More info @ www.paulkivel.com