I’m new at this. I read these types of articles often, but I feel like there is more to be said. Still even more needs to be done. White folks often have unconscious bias lurking somewhere in the back of their minds. I work regularly to find these biases and dispel them. It is difficult work. I do, however, keep in mind that this work is something that I must do. Just like the work that is simply existing as a person of color in the US and other parts of the world.
- Don’t let the injustice of the present fade from your news cycle. Although protests are still raging across the country, I have noticed that other news stories are taking the place of stories about injustice and race in my own news cycle. I actively search for these types of stories now. I know that I could easily begin to ignore racial and social injustice as a white person, but I will not allow myself to do this.
I am even willing to admit that it can become mentally fatiguing. When I think, “I’ll take a break for today.” I remind myself that I cannot and should not take that break. People of color simply do not get to take a break from injustice. I will not take a break either. To truly be an ally in any form, white folks must continue to keep these issues on the forefront, always in their heads and encourage other white folks to remember these issues and challenge their own perspectives.
- Search for news, opinions, and stories from people of color. Check out Colorlines, The Root, Code Switch on NPR, Black Girl Dangerous, Mic, Bitch Magazine, Everyday Feminism, and Racialicious.
It is important to listen to these opinions and become more and more aware of what POC have to say and how they feel. One easy way to do this is to use the internet. Empathy is a skill to cultivate.
- Do not fall prey to the #NotAll argument. This is a weak argument. Just because “not all cops” are racist jerks doesn’t mean that they are exempt from criticism. What this means is that those cops who are not assholes need to prove it by standing up for POC, by calling out the cops who do otherwise. Just like #NotAllMen changes the conversation and puts the focus on how the men who don’t abuse and rape women feel about being criticized so does this argument. Call out others who try to change the conversation. Tell them how to spot privilege and check privilege.
- Listen. I’ll admit that when I first encountered #CrimingWhileWhite, I thought it was a good thing. Then I listened and read what POC had to say about it. I also began reading #AliveWhileBlack. Once I’d begun reading and listening to POC’s perspectives, I saw that white folks had good intentions, but that they’d taken over the conversation. Even the most racist of people already know that POC and white folks are treated differently by police officers. Derailing the conversation isn’t helping the movement. Listening and being active, as a white person, in a way that POC support and encourage is important. Also remember that if a person of color says something is offensive, then it is offensive. You cannot decide what is or is not offensive to others. Do not defend your actions. Apologize and adjust your actions accordingly.
- Don’t change the conversation. #BlackLivesMatter is important just the way it reads. It doesn’t need to be changed. It has been proven over and again that white folks’ lives, opinions, and stories have value. No one is saying that all lives don’t matter. What people are saying is that black lives matter just as much. This needs to be said and heard. Don’t try to co-opt a movement to make yourself more comfortable within it. This isn’t about your comfort.
- Comfort brings me to my last point. Get out of your comfort zone. Read, listen, and view things that make you uncomfortable. Learn how to make clear, poignant, and direct points about race to other white folks. Start the conversation. Call out racism, even “minor” offenses when you see them happen. Again, this isn't about white folks’ comfort. To bring change we must often be uncomfortable.
