Toxic white guilt - is a term that can assist an individual to know the difference between guilt that motivates a person to take action or for a person to remain stuck.
The group of white people meeting to have the difficult conversation is a model that many of us can take. The conversation will be difficult, however the dialogue can bring about an understanding that is escaping many. The group defined as 'white' need to do the work and change the face of racism.
Over the years I have participated in a number of diversity and inclusion training sessions, and honestly none were 'white' only. I can see this as a gap. In multicultural groups, the learning was important and eye-opening, however missed the critical piece of the conversation going deeper with the 'white' participants. In an all 'white' group, you can have the deeper conversation and won't have bias of 'another' pushing you deeper. This group can hold up the mirror to encourage the tough learning.
I was struck by the concept of white exceptionalism, as I have often felt that if I am not doing something racist, that I am not part of the problem. After participating in this Anti-Racism training, I realize that while I may be non-racist, I still need to confront any implicit biases in myself and others.
I am becoming increasingly aware of the importance of advocating for others who are the victims of racism. If we don't say anything, our silence will speak volumes and render us complicit in perpetuating prejudice.
Being anti-racist involves action.
I am learning that good intent is not enough. Being "right thinking" is not enough. Rolling my eyes when someone says something racist, or homophobic, or "otherizing" is not enough. Yes, action. My action. Action that may make me uncomfortable. But action - YES!
Something that both this course and other sources, as well as reading your reflections really hits hard - It it White peoples job to do this work! I heard someone say last week -> "You cannot label yourself an ally, others can give you that label upon seeing your actions over time" boy does that resonate.
I definitely have fallen into the category of labeling myself a "good White person" in the past or pulling myself out of the equation for any number of reasons, and what has been presented to clearly is that there is always action to take and it is continued action - not just doing the one thing, the one training, the one protest, - continued. I feel like sustainability and accountability are names of the game for me and I'd like to keep there.
Wow, Rachel!
I LOVED the part about it is only someone else that can label us as an ally. What a call to action!
Over the years I learned, I don't get to say I am an ally. Over the years because of consistent commitment, picking myself up after making mistakes, being present - members of the oppressed groups have invited me to an event when I am the only person not from the community - when someone I knew asked why I was there, I stated I was invited - her comment - you have been accepted. During a tough time for the LGBTQ+ community I was privy to a conversation and asked to excuse myself when a transgendered person said, no stay you are an honorary member. Those are the messages that tell me I am on the path of being an ally. I am no fool, in thinking the work is done and that all members of a group would welcome me with open arms. The credibility comes when others invite you in, you get to stay in if you keep doing the hard work. And there are times, I am not sure.