How do we reverse the monopolized narrative?
Stop asking, start doing (find a list of useful resources at the end)
In the last few weeks, many voices around the world have risen in protest against racism.
There is so much happening online these days in solidarity and outrage, a lot which I would argue is for pure performative allyship, but the one thing I have noticed in my following and friends is white people feeling helpless and asking “what can I do?”. For one, you should not ask black people this question. The black community all over the world is in mourning for reasons us white people will never be able to understand. They do not have time to educate you or curate a list of resources for you. So, do the work yourself. Actions speak louder than words, and this is a moment to step back, be humble, this is a moment to learn.
Exposing ourselves to different narratives, to rewire our brains and colonised minds by unlearning and relearning, is key. I call it a reversing of the brainwash. See, what has become the mainstream narrative in the last centuries has largely been by males of European heritage. When I say narratives I mean the stories, art, cultural habits, language, that shape our knowledge and therefore our realities. The consequences of a monopolized narrative are explained really well by Minna Salami in her new book Sensuous Knowledge:
“When it comes to identity, what meaning does the concept carry for people who are not white or male? White men are the only demographic who are referred to in standard terms — “doctor”, “scientist”, “author” and so on. Everyone else is described by a compound word “ black scientist, or “Asian author” she continues “White males have historically taken possession of “normative identity” which in theory is a normative identity theft”.
The narratives we all have been exposed to in the western world have been monopolized by white males, from Art to literature to music, to mainstream media. No matter how uncomfortable it is to admit that our reality is conditioned by outside forces we are often not even aware of, we would really speed up the process by just admitting it. We are conditioned; the colour of our skin, our gender, our sexual orientation, place us in a position in the pyramid of the system we currently live in, and if we cannot admit that we are lying to ourselves.
So, how do we attempt to reverse the conditioning? We — please allow this terminology- auto-brainwash. We do to ourselves what has been subtly been done to us. I propose that we make some sort of oath to only read things written by black writers for a year, expose ourselves to shows and podcasts curated by black people, explore black art history, and listen to black music.
When I began my feminist activism I decided that I would only read books written by women for a whole year, then I decided to only read African American literature, and it really helped rewire many of my thoughts. This is not to de-legitimise the great work of many other writers and artists, but it is time to give space to others as well.
Another thing we can do is take a step back, to not make the narrative about our feelings about this. This is not about us.
When white men tell me that it is so uncomfortable to be a white man after #MeToo because they are constantly scrutinised now, or are afraid that a faux pax may lead them to a sexual assault accusation, I tell them that I am sorry, but also that I don’t care. I explain to them that transition is uncomfortable and that it might not be easy for them for a while but that they will just have to sit with that discomfort. The same I say to white people — including myself- now; do the work and learn. We must make an effort and sit in the discomfort and be ok with the feeling. Make choices that are in line with your principles, and forgive yourself when you make a mistake, but do it publicly, take people through your journey towards alignment and activism. We are human, and we are learning, and it is ok to mess up. But also, be prepared to be called out and schooled: you gotta learn.
One article is not enough, my knowledge is limited and I am still learning, but I have created a list of work that has personally helped me in my activism and has made me learn something every time. It is absolutely not even near being complete, but it might kickstart you into a journey. Remember, this is your journey and you can only take it if you want to and if you truly commit to it. Activism is hard work, it means doubting yourself constantly, being contradicted, finding your way of expression that works for you, unlearning, relearning, unlearning again. This list should last you for at least a year of auto-brainwash.
Here we go,
Sensuous Knowledge- Minna Salami (in this you will also find a lot of other knowledge on what papers, articles, books, plays to read)
Me and White Supremacy — Layla F Saad
The New Jim Crow — Michelle Alexandre
Why I am no longer talking to white people about race — Eddo-Lodge Reni Anything by Toni Morrison, Alice Walker, Audre Lorde, Wole Soyinka, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Chinua Achebe
Sozaboy- Ken Saro-Wiwa
Philosophy has to be more than just about white men — Minna Salami
This interview with Toni Morrison is useful to understand about racism and asking the right questions
The MsAfropolitan blog offers great insight into African history, Philosophy and Feminism
This is a list of useful resources I found online
I also strongly suggest Def Jam Poetry and Button Poetry (I particularly have been penetrated in the soul by Angry Black Woman by Porsha Olayiwola, and Black Privilege by Chrystal Valentine).
With music, I wouldn't know where to start because there is so much. I personally think Fela Kuti was one of the greatest storytellers in music history, and so is Lauryn Hill, Ebo Taylor, Tinariwen, Howling Wolf, Miles Davis, Nina Simone, Bob Marley, Aretha Franklin, Billie Holiday. I feel I am not at all doing justice to the immeasurable amount of beautiful music that has come out of black struggle, so please let yourself be carried by the meanders of this river.
I want to make it clear that am not an expert in Black History and Culture, but my studies and professional work have brought me in contact with many people who are. I am an activist on a journey and I am doing my research and trying to learn every day. So I have compiled a list of resources that I have personally found useful. Know that this is just a simple initiation, you are the one responsible for digging deeper. Don’t ask, just do.
