White Silence is Racial Violence: Don’t Get Defensive, Get Informed
On unpacking privilege, amplifying melanated voices, and becoming a better ally
The year is 2020. Borders are largely shut down due to the outbreak of a new and dangerous virus. Protests and uprisings are covered by every major news outlets. Our President responds with dog whistles and threats of violence against citizens. Peaceful protesters are driven away with tear gas. The country is tearing itself apart while the world watches.
This isn’t the introduction to a book. It’s not words scrolling across the screen of the next big action-packed blockbuster. This is our lives.
There has been a call to amplify melanated voices across social media. While the conversations around social justice shift to emphasize the perspective of those who have been marginalized, I feel like this is a good time for white people to talk to other white people about how we are — knowingly or unknowingly — contributing to oppression.
I don’t know everything — about social justice or anything else. I’m still learning as I go. But there are a few things I know for absolute certain.
- George Floyd should not have been murdered by the very people tasked with serving and protecting the people. His name is the…
