I get angry when people (specifically white people) say that they “worked hard for everything that they ever accomplished in their life.” Now, I’m understanding that may be a bias that I have since I am uncomfortable with the privilege that I have as an upper middle-class white girl. But something that is even more so bothersome is that statement is primarily used in conversations about privilege and that statement somehow negates the fact that someone has privilege.
When I was younger (in grade and high school) I would say phrases like “I don’t see color” or “I have _______ friends” or “I can say that word (the “n” word) because of …..”. I have felt guilty about saying those things and I also feel like I can continue to address my own biases and racism. In this manner, I can hold myself accountable so when I slip up with a microagression I can recognize it and promptly apologize to the person or people for it. I would consider myself into being an active ally and doing my homework to becoming an advocate for BIPOC communities. I think that I need to work on my implicit bias, especially toward Black people, and continue to check myself more thoroughly. Then, I need to work on managing fatigue while engaging with other people and best practices of being an advocate level ally.
