This comment of the day was by Andrew Pollom on the post “In the Spirit of John Brown: A Letter to White People After Charleston“.
I realize after racist incidents how inept we often are as white people in truly having a conversation about the issue of race and racism. There are attempts, again and again, (as the other comments in this article articulate very well on their own) that what we are socialized with is our own sense of supremacy and perfection. We are moved to avoid any collective responsibility and instead to blame individuals, ailments, or even sinfulness instead of seeing our collective role in our shared experience as oppressors. And I have to say that while I am often horrified at the ignorance encountered in such exchanges, I cannot throw stones. My own white socialization tells me why this makes sense to us. It is certainly a reaction of our fear. Fear of losing power. Fear of having to make change. Fear of what is uncertain and unknown. I have that fear as well. We all do. Those among us that are able to talk more extensively about our experiences with our own privilege, still have that hesitation of fear from time to time, but the difference is, we acknowledge it as a welcome guest in the conversation instead of hiding behind it as this impenetrable wall. I watched today several morning news shows during which white pundits attempted to talk about racism in this country. Whenever that occurs I am increasing reminded at how our own experiences with privilege and white socialization have left us without knowledge and language to truly encapsulate the concepts. We must rely on what we have learned initially from our friends or colleagues, family members, teachers, classmates— the people that experience the lived narrative of racism. We must acknowledge our fear and move out from behind its sheltered walls. Become comfortable with it alongside us as we take this journey. Knowing all the while, it is not going to leave us, but the longer we are willing to go without it’s protective shield, it becomes less of a needed companion. We begin to speak based on educated thoughts and learn to acknowledge and recognize our own roles and privileges within this experience. We learn to be thoughtful about what we say, but not restricted in saying what needs to be said. And ultimately, we learn to expect that there are others we encounter along the way that remain hidden behind their own fear and ignorance. They will be angry with us, attempt to derail our ongoing process of growth and learning and teaching and dialogue. It is all par for the course. I appreciate greatly your willingness, outside of the wall of fear, to speak up and say the things that are important to say, even if not everyone will hear. Really a great piece.
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Photo credit: Mike Tigas/flickr
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