manu mann
manu mann
Sep 6, 2018 · 3 min read

Kimber , thanks for replying .

Let me break your response down a little and tackle it point by point for you .

“ Colonialism has an impact on how the world is structured today in terms of both who is valued and where their efforts are considered credible “

That is arguably true but what does that have to do with you teaching yoga ? I genuinely fail to understand the connection here .

“ Are you saying that “Everyone has suffered so it all evens out and let’s forget about it? “

No. I am not saying that at all . All I am saying is that YOU are making connections where none exist in this particular context . You have no reason to feel any guilt here at all Kimber . It almost comes off as smug port modern liberal condescension. It’s almost like you have a compulsive need to “ feel sorry “ for people you choose to categorize as “ others “. Why do you think the whole comment section is as follows —

Kimber — Guys , I feel guilty about teaching Yoga because I am a white woman .

Others — it does not matter .

Kimber — But guys , in case you didn’t see this the 7 million other times I wrote it , I am a “ white “ woman .

Others — please stop Kimber , it really does not matter . No one else cares but you.

Kimber — but ….white … woman … white .

“ I want to take responsibility for how my ancestors benefited from colonialism and whiteness. I think it’s important for the healing of the planet and ourselves. “

There you go do that thing again . I specifically asked you how your ancestors benefitted from colonialism ? Give me names , charts , tables .. I need evidence. Are you a direct descendent of Cecil Rhodes for example and him being your great great whatever left a trust fund that YOU then used to have a privileged life. OR , were your ancestors brave pioneer men who risked life and limb in not only coming to this country but making a life once they got here whether on a homestead in Nebraska or a steel mill in Pittsburgh. YOU have nothing to feel sorry for . Your ancestors were decent hard working folks who just wanted a better life for their kids just like most people do . YOU have a privileged life because because YOU worked for it . Same goes for me or anyone else. America is rich and prosperous because AMERICANS have worked their ass off for that. India is exactly where it should considering the amount of effort Indians have put into it . That’s the end of it .

I really hope you get what I am trying to say. I think you are a good and intelligent person who was coming from a good place when you wrote this article but it just came off as “ Much ado about nothing “. It really .. really does not matter . Enjoy teaching yoga or worshipping brahma or whatever you want to do . No one cares .

    manu mann

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    manu mann