As a member of several online Facebook groups, one trend I noted was the concern from Women of Color (WoC) on the increasing level of micro-aggressions when they posted or commented on the experience of living in a Post-Trump election as a WoC.
Posts or comments were and still are commonly met with calls for unity, as commentary on White Privilege were seen as divisive, requests to call it White “Advantage” instead of “Privilege”, as the term privilege was offensive to some, and requests that maybe WoC could leave and start their own group. This is not to say that all White Allys are critical of conversations of White Privilege.
The conversation on White Privilege is a daunting but much needed conversation especially as it applies to Intersectional Feminism. In an election cycle where sexism and racism were foundational elements, conversations on racism and White Privilege are critical as women unite to push forward agendas for equality.
So before we start this conversation, some recommendations to consider:
- If you find yourself getting upset or offended because I’m going to talk about White Privilege, step away from your computer or phone and take a couple of minutes to unpack your Privilege. Maybe take a couple of breaths and ask yourself why I’ve struck a nerve.
- I do not speak for all Women of Color. I am a straight, cis gender, Asian American married to a Jewish man. My experience is unique to me. While as a Woman of Color, I share in the struggle, my struggle is different from other Women of Color. Our unique experiences all coalesce into the need to recognize a system based on racism that upholds White Supremacy.
- If something in what I’m saying interests you or makes you feel uncomfortable, please take the time to reflect on this and Google it. I can’t cover all the nuances in one post so please if you have a smart phone or access to a computer, you have a world of knowledge at your fingertip.
Identity Politics
Colorblind approaches to seeing race are faulty. When someone says they don’t see race and we are all the same, what I hear is that you are not acknowledging a part of my identity that is integral to how I navigate my day to day life. My race is a prominent part of my identity. I cannot hide it and as a result it impacts how people see me.
Our inherent biases are social constructs that we have to check regularly. So when you say you don’t see race when you look at me, you deny the obstacles and struggle of what it means to be a woman of color. In essence diminishing it. In acknowledging race, we acknowledge that there exists a powerful system that favors Whiteness.
Slacktivism
The safety pins which is largely a gesture started by White women to let the Others know that they are safe. I get it. It’s a super, super nice gesture and I really do appreciate it. I am cautiously watching though to see if this is a trend or if this is a movement. When major events of human tragedy occur, there typically exists a feel good slacktivism response.
Everyone changes their FB profile pictures and offers prayers or in this case wears safety pins, but there is a lack of actual sustainable change. Sustainable change is achieved through holding our leaders and politicians accountable and pushing forth policy agendas for the equal treatment of its most vulnerable citizens. Policy not Prayers or in this case Policy not Pins. Again, I’m not diminishing anyone’s efforts be an ally or to help. I understand that this is a visible sign that you are down with the struggle but I and other WoC just have our reservations.
Checking White Privilege
This is a daunting task because when it is checked, WoC are often asked to validate our authenticity or provide examples. This in itself is a micro-aggression and example of White Privilege. We feel like we are being gas lighted because what we just checked you on was an example.
Calling out White Privilege is not meant to be divisive and tear down this group. It’s ironic that in a group full of Nasty Women, WoC are being asked to play nice because our narratives are too divisive. One concerning aspect of addressing White Privilege is the request from some to call it “White Advantage” instead of White Privilege. This again is another example of a micro-aggression. In splitting hairs on the terminology, we detract on the much needed hard work to dismantle racism and White Supremacy.
So in Solidarity with your sisters of color, please take time for some internal checking and move over a little. We want to sit on the bench with you as we all buckle in for this long ass ride.
