We don’t need another anti-racism 101
If you can only read a few things today, this should be one of them!
We don’t need another anti-racism 101
i used to be an antiracism trainer for a progressive organization a few years ago. i was really really good at.
this year i finally realized after a lot of soul searching that teaching white folks how to be good allies is not helpful to anyone.
now dont get me wrong. i think that white folks working in solidarity with poc in respectful ways is often a good thing.
i just dont think we should teach them how to do it.
now i have known for a long time that no poc is obligated to teach a white person about racism. or explain it.
but i am taking it a step further. we shouldnt do it.
Why do you feel that POC should not do anti-racism training? Are you feeling burned out and frustrated? I am inclined to agree that white people need to teach other white people, because people are more inclined to “hear” people who look like them. They may disbelieve, invalidate or minimize the experiences and shared knowledge of POC. The emotional cost is too great for most POC who take on this responsibility.
Would appreciate hearing your thoughts. Thanks.
Paloma
March 18, 2009 at 6:26 am
I really don’t know how I feel about this. I have a few other friends who don’t think it should take place. I honestly don’t think you can teach someone to how to not be racist but, I think you can enlighten people. This is something that I also feel has to be organic.
glennishamorgan
March 20, 2009 at 2:42 am
Thank you Paloma and Glennisha for your responses.
I actually agree with guerrilla mama medicine, especially when she says, “in my experience, folks can learn all the theory, all the right words, all of it and yet act fundamentally the same, live out the same patterns of thoughts, still hold the same fucked-up priorities. and yet spout all of the anti-racist rhetoric.
because that is all it is to them. rhetoric.
people only learn as much as they are willing to learn.”
A willingness has to be there, the feeling of being part, not separate. Not looking at the process as learning about “the others.” A class about racism is another way of distancing yourself from actually engaging and being part of a community. As you say Glennisha, for things to happen organically they must be in a position to participate, not simply investigate.
Thoughts?
abookwithoutacover
March 20, 2009 at 3:50 am