Read on Twitter
It is the second day (ok night) of Black History month.
Today's challenge is for all non-Black people.
Today's challenge is for all non-Black people.
The challenge is: integrate (see what I did there?) the Black lives IN your life mattering as much as they do in your profile.
We have a real problem with white liberals thinking
"but they don't mean me"
when we talk about racism.
BUT
WE
ALL
grew up with this programming.
(Black people too but since the programming is ABOUT us, this isn't the kind of reframe we need.)
"but they don't mean me"
when we talk about racism.
BUT
WE
ALL
grew up with this programming.
(Black people too but since the programming is ABOUT us, this isn't the kind of reframe we need.)
In order to be
TRULY
anti-racist you must be willing to examine your own actions
and check that they match up to your Iideas, thoughts and words.
TRULY
anti-racist you must be willing to examine your own actions
and check that they match up to your Iideas, thoughts and words.
And you can't make it Black people's work to run after you with a wagging finger.
I'll use myself as an example - my current mission is to do better for trans people in my daily life.
First I changed the way I think though exposure IRL & online, intentionally befriending trans friends.
I listened twice as often as I spoke- two ears, one mouth, easy to remember.
I listened twice as often as I spoke- two ears, one mouth, easy to remember.
Second I observed what they said are problems they face from non-trans people.
And I try not to be that. I read and consume more media of all types intentionally observing but
NOT attempting to co-opt their culture.
And I try not to be that. I read and consume more media of all types intentionally observing but
NOT attempting to co-opt their culture.
Third, it was time to take suggested actions.
Donate to more trans people or facilitate them getting more money.
Being willing to calmly face the anger of a trans person if I misstepped. And give a REAL apology.
And truly change myself, the things I said, the way I behave.
Donate to more trans people or facilitate them getting more money.
Being willing to calmly face the anger of a trans person if I misstepped. And give a REAL apology.
And truly change myself, the things I said, the way I behave.
(which I later corrected to not include abuse, especially racism, ableism & sexism.
I am also marginalized and anger is no excuse to use it againat me.
Anger is expected and sometimes part of the lesson. Microagressions & calling me the N word or ableist slurs are not.)
I am also marginalized and anger is no excuse to use it againat me.
Anger is expected and sometimes part of the lesson. Microagressions & calling me the N word or ableist slurs are not.)
Fourth, I have the ongoing step of applying what I have learned to real life.
You can't just theoretically live trans people and respect their rights.
but then not treat them in an equitable manner when they are living breathing people before you.
You can't just theoretically live trans people and respect their rights.
but then not treat them in an equitable manner when they are living breathing people before you.
Which brings us back to you, white accomplices, allies, friends.
You put #BlackLivesMatter
in your profile but don't give money directly to Black people.
You put #BlackLivesMatter
in your profile but don't give money directly to Black people.
You believe theoretically that we are equal but you always want to address our concerns last.
You ask us to help you be better - in the most servile, burdening ways sometimes! -
But when we correct you even gently you explode, weaponize your tears, make excuses, do anything but apologize and fix what you did.
But when we correct you even gently you explode, weaponize your tears, make excuses, do anything but apologize and fix what you did.
We protest, you tell us not to do it "like that" as if you get to dictate what a right and wrong way to be furious about oppression is.
Do you realize when people destroy property that even in their rage
it is a CHOICE not to direct that anger at YOU?
it is a CHOICE not to direct that anger at YOU?
Our struggle for liberation is only taking over 400 years because then, as now,
THE VAST MAJORITY
of us do not wish to do it the colonizer way and shed your blood.
THE VAST MAJORITY
of us do not wish to do it the colonizer way and shed your blood.
We know we're not free until we're all free.
And blood just changes the name of the oppressor.
You think we can't run this country on our own? Ask Cape Verde, Ghana, or Gabon.
And blood just changes the name of the oppressor.
You think we can't run this country on our own? Ask Cape Verde, Ghana, or Gabon.
Back to the main topic.
Dr. King warned us about the white moderate.
In the South, they hated you or they didn't. Simple.
Depending on where you live they *might* even be civil in the daytime.
Dr. King warned us about the white moderate.
In the South, they hated you or they didn't. Simple.
Depending on where you live they *might* even be civil in the daytime.
But in the North?
It was a stealthy hate. You can ride my bus but don't marry my son.
You may sit in my restaurant - by day - but not live in my neighborhood.
Our Jim Crow was insidious.
It was a stealthy hate. You can ride my bus but don't marry my son.
You may sit in my restaurant - by day - but not live in my neighborhood.
Our Jim Crow was insidious.
Now we have right and left more than - or perhaps in addition to - North and South.
Republicans hate us by varying degrees. Simple.
Democrats use us for victory then rarely give us anything in return. (Like with disabled people but I'm gonna stay on topic.)
Republicans hate us by varying degrees. Simple.
Democrats use us for victory then rarely give us anything in return. (Like with disabled people but I'm gonna stay on topic.)
What are you doing
at work
in school
in your community
in public spaces
To show up for the living breathing talking needing or thriving Black people in your life right now?
at work
in school
in your community
in public spaces
To show up for the living breathing talking needing or thriving Black people in your life right now?
Don't all go harass them at once either LOL. I'll get blamed for that.
