As a black individual, I am exhausted by a life time of seeing others actively dismissing our humanity. If you are white, and you read this, and you are willing to listen and to work to obtain a better understanding of what we need from our allies, here are the remarks from the other days post that can help you.
From Eyemajeenyus:
” Either you are for the addition and equal rights of ALL PEOPLE or you are versus US. Saying nothing when you have the chance is just as bad as doing absolutely nothing.”
Some of you made the most of this moment and this space– where I d hoped black people might use their honest ideas on how proclaimed white allies can indeed be allies. You used the comment area to gaslight people residing in a sea of stress and anxiety and tumult, telling them theyre not in fact experiencing what the world is enjoying take place. These comments only reveal why it is necessary that all of us keep shouting “black lives matter” at the top of our lungs, even when we understand that those who need to hear it most– those unwilling to acknowledge their own opportunity– will pick not to hear it.
A growing memorial website at the spot where George Floyd was killed by a law enforcement officer in Minneapolis, MN.Photo: Getty Images
Previously this week, I created a post I thought would create an area and a minute for black people to state exactly what they need today from their white allies. We are grieving. Our mental health is being constantly shaken in the midst of trauma brought on by cops misconduct, the violence of white vigilantes and suffering the force of the coronavirus pandemic– outside of the truth of the socioeconomic variations impacting black Americans and a longer list of factors to feel hopeless.
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From rerunsfromabirminghamjail:
Instead of waste your time combating the culture wars on social networks, you will attempt to live your life in such a way that assists the others in your community. Youre never going to persuade dear uncle Cletus on Facebook that Chauvin could have just, you know, stopped what he was doing. On the other hand, a few minutes on Google and unless you reside in the middle of nowhere you can find lots of great volunteer opportunities where you can do a lot … If you see discrimination happen in front of you, you will speak up and let your fellow white people know that they need to smile since they are going to be on the internet if the circumstance doesnt resolve itself amicably.”
Heres what I need to provide:
When you tell people they are not or have not experienced what they understand they have, that is an issue.
Earlier this week, I developed a post I thought would develop an area and a moment for black individuals to state precisely what they require right now from their white allies. Some of you took benefit of this space and this minute– where I d hoped black individuals could provide their truthful ideas on how proclaimed white allies can certainly be allies. You used the remark area to gaslight individuals living in a sea of stress and anxiety and tumult, informing them theyre not actually experiencing what the world is viewing occur. On the other hand, a few minutes on Google and unless you live in the middle of nowhere you can discover plenty of great volunteer chances where you can do a lot … If you see discrimination occur in front of you, you will speak up and let your fellow white individuals understand that they must smile due to the fact that they are going to be on the internet if the circumstance does not resolve itself agreeably.”
Dont speak on anything youre not fully informed about. Even when well-meaning, you do more damage than good when youre speaking from a location of lack of knowledge. Inform yourself about whats really happening beyond your bubble.
Stop thinking youre assisting by telling marginalized individuals about the problems of others, including yourself. Listen to people in their hurt and their trauma. If youre incapable of holding the weight of their trauma, then be open in letting them understand that.
When you inform individuals they are not or have actually not experienced what they know they have, that is a problem. And if you feel compelled to do so, you might be the one who needs to look for aid.
