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By: Christina Jane Presmy
Educate Yourself.
IT’S LITERALLY FREE. Google is at the forefront of our fingertips. We no longer live in a time where we physically need to leave our homes for information through the library and classes, so why aren’t more people taking advantage of that?
Where to start? I recommend learning what white privilege is. There’s something about that term that gets many upset when in reality it’s not meant to be an offensive term. It’s life as we know it today. I truly think to start with educating yourself on that alone, will set the foundation in somewhat trying to understand why black people are and have been fighting for equality for centuries.
One of my favorite articles explains it in a very simple way: https://www.tolerance.org/magazine/fall-2018/what-is-white-privilege-really
Knowledge is power and it’s time for white people to take the time to educate themselves to be aware of what is going on. You have to understand what is going on if you are going to be a part of the change.
Respect Black Culture
Understand that as a white individual you can do things that are tied to black culture and easily set a “trend” in today’s society. Black culture is not a trend, it’s our life. Sunday Simon said it best: “Fulani braids became Bo Derek Braids. Cornrows turned into boxer braids. Bantu knots are now called mini buns. Many celebrities with no connection to African ancestry in recent years have taken ancient hairstyles known to the black community as second nature and turned them into a trend for the week, easily being able to enjoy the access to black culture.
It’s truly a slap in the face, and something to be mindful of.
Gentrification, which is another hot topic when it comes to black culture is another example of this. Ralph Redus said it best: “When you see people just doing it because of it “trendy” or the wave, it’s disrespectful because people feed their children off doing what people in the hood do. It’s just kind of offensive and it makes it look like everybody can do it.”
From hairstyles, housing, music, dance, food, and all the other contributions black people have made to this world. Just be respectful and research before you possibly end up being the next person to appropriate the culture.
Do Something. Anything
This past week has been flooded with organizations to donate to, protests to participate in, and actions you can be taking. There’s something for everyone and anyone whether you can physically be participating or not.
Open your wallet. If you have the means to do so donate to a trusted, reliable fund. Many have been being shared.
Attend a protest, but you don't just have to be an active protestor. You can support in other ways. Pass out water bottles, masks, make posters for people, etc.
Use your privilege. If you see a black individual getting treated unfairly, step in, and speak up. I’ve seen it on more than one occasion where a white person speaking up made the difference between how that one black person was treated by a police officer or other racists.
Educate Your Racist Peers & Family Members
“It’s not enough to be racist. You have to be anti-racist.” Another one of the many gems that have been dropped across all social media platforms this week. This means calling out your friends and family when they say something racist. A joke, or not it’s racist.
Get out of your comfort zone, open your mouth, and stand up for what’s right. If you feel comfortable marching and making signs for LGBTQ+ rights, women's rights, abortion, war, but not black rights… re-evaluate yourself, your surroundings, your beliefs, and why.
If racism was part of the home you grew up in, I challenge you to think bigger and better. Imagine what life would have been like for you if you were born with a little more melanin. If you hear racist talk from people you know, challenge them. Let them know they are wrong right there in the moment. They should not feel comfortable saying certain things around you if you claim to be anti-racist.
Be the light your peers and loved ones surrounding you need.
References:
https://www.tolerance.org/magazine/fall-2018/what-is-white-privilege-really
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