Acknowledge White Privilege. Then Act.
I have white privilege.
This doesn’t mean I deserve better. It doesn’t mean I’m rich. I don’t bleed differently. Having white privilege means my skin is caucasian, and because of that simple fact, I am afforded the ability to take for granted so many things. White privilege is easy to deny. Until you identify what it is. I’m not *special* because I’m white. But, culturally, I experience a much different life than people of color. And, it’s time for me–and white people all over–to do better.
White Privilege Defined
Inherent advantages possessed by a white person on the basis of their race in a society characterized by racial inequality and injustice.
What Do You Take for Granted?
The stories are endless. These people should be alive today. Read about them. Put yourself in their shoes, or the shoes of their loved ones.
African American neighbors, friends and fellow citizens live in fear every day of their lives because of how they are treated–because of the color of their skin. People. This is 2020. This has to stop. The killing of black people because of the color of their skin HAS TO STOP.
The references below–you’ve probably seen a meme like this on social media. This my version. If you have white privilege, use this opportunity to read the stories, sign the petitions for justice and get additional information on how to make a difference.
What do I take for granted?
Because I’m white, I can go for a jog without being murdered.
Because I’m white, I can birdwatch without having someone frame me for assault.
Because I’m white, if I’m arrested, I’d be embarrassed, not murdered.
Because I’m white, I can relax in the comfort of my home without being murdered.
Because I’m white, I can refuse to turn down my music without being killed.
Because I’m white, I can get into a car and drive away without being murdered.
Because my kids are white, they can sleep on the couch without being murdered.
Because I’m white, I can go for a walk with a friend without ending up full of bullets.
Because I’m white, I can be in my home with my children without being murdered.
Because I’m white, I will be left alone to talk on my cellphone, without ending up dead.
Because I’m white, I can get pulled over for a faulty brake light without being murdered by multiple bullets.
Because I’m white, I can be confronted by the police without being choked to death.
Because I’m white, I can go about my day without having to think about being judged by the color of my skin.
Every African American in This Country (& all over the world)
What Else Can You Do?
Read this article on 10 things white people can do to promote racial justice.
Sign petitions:
Challenge your personal biases.
Answer Jane Elliott’s question: Would you be ok with being treated the way black people are treated?
Have uncomfortable conversations.
Call racism out when you see it and hear it.
Go after the information by following organizations:
Read books to your children (and for yourself) about racial issues:
Book Lists for Kids and Adults
There’s so much more that can be done. What have you learned? What are you working on? Leave me a comment with ideas and suggestions so we can do more–together.
Photography Credit: @mitchel3uo
