Racism And White Supremacy

The Lingering Elements of Racism and White Supremacy - White People's Contributions - What Can Be Done? (Dr Babatunde Olumide Watson)

Let's face it: Most white people don't like being accused of racism or hearing that they have white privilege.

For many whites, these types of accusations have nasty connotations, hearkening back to slavery, colonialism, rape, genocide, segregation and disenfranchisement. But although it may be uncomfortable, these connotations can't be swept under the rug. Learning about the history of racial oppression is an important step toward understanding why many people of color have a hard time trusting white people.

For multiple generations, people of color have had negative experiences encountering institutional racism

Indeed, being pushed away by people of color or being called-out on racism — directly or indirectly — may instead inspire feelings of resignation or hurt. And some whites truly wish to help as best as they can while cultivating strong relationships with people of color.

Unfortunately, there isn't extensive education in classrooms that examines racism throughout history. As a result, there are not nearly enough opportunities for whites to learn how they can bridge gaps of misunderstanding, distrust and guilt towards achieving true equity and inclusion for people of color. For too long, whites have only heard about racism in the context of what not to do, but rarely, if ever, do white people hear about how they can be proactive about the issue.

By taking the leadership of people of color in the broader conversation about eradicating racism, whites can take steady, even simple steps towards becoming allies in the fight against racial inequality, not merely bystanders — or worse,

2. Honor the feelings of Black people in the discussion. It is not about your white guilt.

If white people are tired of hearing black people "whine" or "rant" about white privilege, then imagine how exhausting and burdensome it is to directly contend with racism every day for years.

The last thing black people need to hear from white people is how they should deal with or talk about encountering racism. Even with the most well-intentioned effort, white people must acknowledge they will never have the same understanding or range of experiences that black people bring to the conversation. This is not to say that white people can't join the discussion, but that they must focus on a solution.

Too often, white people overreact to criticism, become defensive and turn their feeling of uncomfortableness back on their peers. Black people have long been policed for their "tone" or "overemotional attitude," feelings that are human and valid after dealing with something as infuriating as racism.

3. Ask plenty of questions. Earnestly seek to understand Black people before trying to have your viewpoint