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How Do I make a difference, how do "White" people respond to racism, bigotry? [1]

['This Content Is Not Subject To Review Daily Kos Staff Prior To Publication.']

Date: 2023-08-09

I wrote a article the other day, “White privileged=White people suck”. There were some comments about being parental towards minorities. I then did a deep dive into my thoughts about why I wrote this article.

I wrote this to express my thoughts in a literary art form, that was perhaps way to edgy. So I was doing it for myself. I pulled this from a draft article that I wrote the other day. MY words.

Every time I see another article about minority being attacked, usually by “White” people, I get angry sad and really angry. It could be a former neighbor, co-worker, friend, who could be harmed. . I’m white and I’m safe. They are not safe. This is personal for me. People I care about, value, look up to, who taught me how to be human may be treated inhumanely, people who taught me to be spiritual, may be harmed by my fellow “White” people. I’m feeling helpless, wanting to see the violence to lessen, but I can’t avoid watching. I can’t become numb or immune. I need to make changes. I need to find how to make any small changes.

For context, I currently live in a heavily “White” rural area. If I see a minority being harassed do I ask for permission to intervene if they look fearful? No. I would intervene. If they choose to interact and are clearly in no danger, I move on.

If I hear bigoted language in a group, do I find a person to consult whether I should speak up? No.

I grew up in the 60s. MLK and civil rights leaders challenged us “White” people to speak up and not sit back in silence. I have already been given permission to speak up. I was challenged to speak up.

We “White” people were shamed into speaking up and join the fight against racism. Black people were the driving force of change, but we “White folk” had to join in to effect the change. We unfortunately do own the white privilege power.

I have witnessed and seen too much to be concerned about being parental or needing permission. Any “White” person, including me, needs to be aware of also being respectful of a person seeking help. This included confronting bigotry and any form of discrimination. Only step in if necessary, only speak up if necessary. But then “White” people can revert to, but they didn’t ask for help. It still becomes silence.

There is a danger of creating a box for “White” people. Speak up, by must have permission, don’t intervene unless???, Be careful of your words. IF every week it’s a new word, how can anyone can keep up. If “White” people are boxed in and running circles to avoid offending, nothing changes.

Cultural appropriation. We can’t be purist. Why shouldn’t “White” people become more like another culture. America was a melting pot of cultures, but melting pot was an attempt to erase differences. However we do need a blend that makes everyone comfortable with each other so we can speak the same language. No one should use another’s culture for profit or self-promotion.

Some of my best role models are not my culture. Is it culture appropriation to follow their examples. No.

For the purpose of politics why not make it easier. Yes, we “White” people may be parental at times. Let us make the mistakes and learn from this. Encourage us, support us. We got a long way to go before we surrender even a slice of the white privileged power.

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[1] Url: https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/8/9/2186120/-How-Do-I-make-a-difference-how-do-White-people-respond-to-racism-bigotry

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