What I’ve Learned from People of Color About Racism
A Summarized White Interpretation of “What it Means to Be Racist” Inspired by Various Explanations and Articles written by People Of Color on Medium
I’ll start off by declaring my whiteness: I am a white person and I live in Middle North America. Im not being smug, I only wish to clarify.
Now, I’ve recently been reading a lot of articles concerning race. Especially ones written by someone who does not consider themselves to be white. And I want to share what I’ve learned so far about modern day racism. Now lets all remember, I’m white, which means I have no idea what I’m talking about, I’m ignorant and I’m stupid. So if I mess up, just remember, I’m white and there is no hope for me.
I’ll begin by defining what it means to be white. White people have no culture. And if I’m white, I’m racist, even if I don’t think I’m racist. And especially, when I don’t go out of my way to discriminate against someone for the color of their skin, that means I’m racist. But if I do go out of my way to discriminate against someone for the color of their skin, it’s also racist. It’s a double edge sword, but I shouldn’t waste my time trying to explain it away with logic because it’s a dead end. My existence alone is racism, I can’t change it, there is no solution and my next step should be acceptance.
White people also have privileges; called white privilege. These privileges vary depending on who I am, but overall, I have more than a non-white person in America. What this means is I am not restricted from any opportunity available in American society, because of the color of my skin. If I’m poor and white, that’s my privilege. If I get denied for government assistance because I’m poor and white, that’s also my privilege. And if I am an exemplary high school student, but don’t get accepted into the college I wanted, due to affirmative action—white privilege. I know I might lose some of you on that one, so ill elaborate. I think it means, in American non-whites don’t get the opportunity to be denied from colleges. But I could be wrong.
Income, like my opinion, has nothing to do with my privileges and are irrelevant . I have every privilege richer white people have and more privilege than every rich non-white. The only difference between me, and them, is the money they have for buying privileges.
And I should ignore any dirty looks some non-whites give me in public, because they are just mad I have more than them. They are not mad at me they are mad at my privilege. Even if I don’t eat for three days, I still have more than them and should be willing to donate to people of culture. And even if I don’t have it — I’m still white — which means it’s gotta be around here somewhere, I just need to keep looking.
In addition to that, because I have no culture, If I wear anything that was started by or is trademarked by a culture—I’m perpetuating racism. Sometimes. If I buy certain medicinal plants, because I want to be healthy, it is appropriation and racist. So before I buy natural medicines, I should research online to see if there is a culture claiming it as their own, performing rituals with the plant or ever used the plant in history.
I’m also restricted from wearing certain garments with certain patterns and colors, as well as any cultural hairstyles or accessories. I’ll admit I had a hard time understanding this one at first, and then I recalled that scene in Mean Girls; when Gretchen couldn’t wear hoop earrings because it was Regina’s thing.
If I talk to a non-white person, I must be mindful they are non-white. Being color-blind is racist. So I need to think certain thoughts, and say certain things, while not saying other certain things that they may perceive to be racist. But if I change myself so much it’s noticeable, I run the risk of contributing to systemic racism and becoming a problem of society. I have to remember it’s not about my intent and all about other’s interpretations. If I show my ignorance, I will likely be shamed for being just like every other white person.
So to be safe, should I avoid talking to non-whites I don’t know? Because then I won’t run the risk of saying or doing something racist. And should I refrain from purchasing turquoise jewelry from local artisan shops since it is connected to Native American culture?
Is it also appropriation if I have cultural items in my house as decor? I have several authentic afghan and Iranian rugs form the early 20th century, should I throw them away just in case? What about my colonial furniture? I doubt whites built them and it’s good wood, I could probably use it as firewood.
In conclusion, I think I understand. No one can be racist toward a white person, except maybe another white person. Because two people with the same amount of privilege can be racist toward each other the same way all people with more privileges than another person, are automatically racist. I think?
That’s what I’ve learned so far.
Feedback is welcome.
Source list of articles is not exhaustive but contributed to this summary.
