White people

Found an interesting post pop up on my feed from Luvvie Ajayi, who has some good writing that is worth checking out, the post in question can be found by scrolling down on the linked page and discusses a bit about the reluctance white allies can have when talking about race due to fear of backlash if they get it wrong, or go into the discussion without a complete knowledge of the topic.

There is something to that of course, and the writer goes on to exhort her fellows to not be dicks, among other things. However I feel like this issue is pretty stupid for something that actually needs addressing.

I mean, here we are, representatives of the race that holds literally all the power, but we are scared of becoming part of the solution for people who have been systematically oppressed by the system that we benefit from for hundreds of years because some, a minority at that, of the group might be mean to us? What delicate flowers we are, this from the same people who tell minorities to ignore microaggressions because they aren't really being hurt or some shit.

Not saying that internet bullies aren't a problem, just that it shouldn't be a problem that we need addressed before we take part in a conversation. Even though it totally is one apparently.

Now you may be reading this and asking "but Logan, you yourself have said white people need to shut the hell up, aren't you being hypocritical here?" Well, yes I did say that, and no I am not being hypocritical, shut up. What I actually say is that it isn't our discussion to lead, we don't get to set the terms of the debate, we don't select the topics, nor do we decide on the language, our role in the fight for equality is to be present and be supportive, but more than that, to be SEEN to be present and supportive, we have a responsibility to make sure everyone knows that it isn't just the uppity minorities being unreasonable, that what they are fighting for is something that everyone deserves.

We do that by being visible, by using our privilege to send messages publicly that others can't without fear of retaliation, to protest without being shot, to talk to coworkers without getting fired. All that is stuff we can and should do, we should also be engaging in conversation online, in public forums, and yes, even asking questions when it is appropriate. The trick to that last part is "appropriate" though.

Anyway, the fact that white people being scared of being insulted is a legitimate concern for equality movements is incredibly irritating is what I am trying to say. Damn we are sensitive.