In light of the recent Charleston shooting at a historical AME church, I want to acknowledge that I protect myself from being vulnerable when White folks begin talking about racism, Whiteness, and White privilege. It's not something I've been conscious of until recently. To outsiders and observers, I can come across as listening intently, or as adding to the discussion by sharing "what I've learned as a White person."
Inside my own skin, though, as someone who is working for racial justice, I know I am not stretching myself by sharing parts of my own anti-racism journey. Sharing my experience is something I do fairly easily. In some respects, I'm putting on what I now see as a show, for the sake of accompanying others who are struggling, and I get praise and encouragement for doing so.
I'm the only one who knows that I could be doing more. I could be making myself more vulnerable, take more risks. The Inward Teacher, along with guidance from friends of color, is in fact giving me such instruction.
I might not feel ready to take on more risk, like participating in direct actions of civil disobedience that could end with my being arrested. Even as I hesitate, God loves me. And God requires that I do more on behalf of God's Family and its members of color that are not treated kindly.
Blessings,
Liz
June 18, 2015
Becoming conscious of protecting my Whiteness
Posted by Liz Opp on 6/18/2015
Labels: -isms, oppression, personal journey, personal story, privilege, racism, White privilege
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2 comments:
Yeah, I kind of decided to stay out of prison at least until my kids are grown if I can, but I often feel very guilty about that choice and privilege.
Hi there, Lone Star Ma... It's been a long while since we've seen each other in the blogosphere.
At first, I wasn't sure how to take your comment, but then I saw on your profile page some other things about how you aren't living up to what other Texans might expect.
OTOH, if I'm missing your point, I hope you'll let me know and add clarification.
Blessings,
Liz
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