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In a very short time, Donald J. Trump, the 45 President of the United States, has not only changed the rules of American politics, but has totally re-written the book on what it is to be the chief of staff. From cutting funding of abortions internationally, nominating full blown racists such as Jeff Sessions, and banning over 134 million people from entering the United States, Trump is bringing America into a new age. Because of this numerous activists, particularly white people, have become energized and want change. A large number of white people who have never thought about protesting or challenging anything outside their bubble are suddenly engaged and want to be part of a solution for change. They want to know how to become allies in the fight against the hate that is the Trump administration.
As a Black man, my entire life is a fight against racism/white supremacy.
While I am resentful at many white people’s sudden urge to end oppression, I remember what the man who I consider to be the greatest thinker of the 20th century, Malcolm X, once said. “Don’t be in a hurry to condemn because he doesn’t do what you do or think as you think so fast. There was a time when you didn’t know what you know today.” Because of this, I try to be understanding when non-POC’s ask me, “What can I do?” Below are six points on what I believe an ally is and what an ally can do. There is strength in numbers. Hopefully we can all come together and end this dangerous system.
Speak up and speak out
One of the most important duties for an ally is to challenge those who are within your immediate circle (this includes co-workers) when they say or do something racist. Yes it is great when you’re hanging out with your Black or Asian friend discussing how terrible racism/white supremacy is, but what carries more impact is when you are around white people and call them out when they say racist things. Being an ally is about getting into those spaces we POC’s do not have access to and having those conversations we cannot. It may be a bit scary to put yourself out there and some folks may be uncomfortable and/or cut you off when you do so, but if you are committed, this is what it takes.
Join other white people in the fight
Black and other non-white people have been fighting racism since its inception. It is as natural to us as a reflex. While it is nice for white folks to join us in a march or protest, it would be much more effective to organize amongst yourselves. White people know what moves and what makes white people tick better than anyone. In my experience, a white person’s word will always be listened to more than a person of color. We need white allies to work with each other on how they can go into white spaces and fight racism. Organizations such as SURJ (Standing Up for Racial Justice) were created to bring white people together to perform anti-racism work.
Don’t look for praise
Many times in groups or online, I will hear white people say, “Well I support Black Lives Matter, “ “I marched for… (insert Black or Brown man murdered by police)”, and “I am out here at the airport protesting the Muslim Ban..” So what? You want a cookie? Allyship is not about looking for recognition in fighting for the less fortunate. You should not look for kudos or want to be labeled as that white person who is working to dismantle white supremacy. We should all be doing this, every single day. This reminds me of an old Chris Rock joke where a guy brags about taking care of his kids and staying out of jail. You are supposed to be doing this. That’s what good people do – make the world a better place for everyone.
Donate money towards anti-racism organizations
In the fight against racism/white supremacy, there are many fronts in this battle. Allies can protest, organize amongst themselves, write essays informing other whites on important issues, and donate money. It is no secret that resources such as money and oil run the world, and many organizations that are in this fight desperately need the resources. Most anti-racist institutions are non-profit, so a donation is always welcomed and can go a long way. If you are still trying to find your place in the movement, giving a dollar or two towards the cause is a great way to start.
Do not center yourself during talks of racism
I believe every non-white person has had this experience in person or online: we are talking about their experiences of race in America and all of a sudden, a white person takes over the conversation and makes it about them. White people, whether intentional or not, have a habit of centering themselves when talking about race. They feel as if they themselves are being attacked, or they feel like the white savior. One of the most important things an ally must do is LISTEN. When Black, Latino, Asian, Native American, and Middle Eastern people discuss the challenges we face and the everyday racism we encounter, it is not meant as a slam towards you. We are letting you know how the world is from our perspective. This is our experience. Derailing the conversation with, “Well not all white people” or even shedding “white tears” is counterproductive and does nothing to help us and you. By listening to our experiences, this will give you the knowledge to be a better ally.
Understand what racism is and how you benefit
Let’s start with one absolute truth here: Every white person is either racist or benefits from the system of white supremacy. It is a system that discriminates and disenfranchises people of color while maintaining a hierarchy that keeps white people at the top. While you may not be a card carrying member of a skinhead group, I can guarantee you have either harbored a racist thought, looked the other way when an act of racism occurred, or reaped the benefits of everyday racism such as not being followed in a store, your United States citizenship not being questioned, “fitting the description” of a crime, or even your intellect being up for debate. This is a glimpse into the everyday life of a person of color. This ain’t white privilege, this is racism. Understanding the system of white supremacy, how it functions, and affects everyone is paramount in being an ally.
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Personally, I think there’s way too much fighting going on. I think the best way to combat racism is being decent and civil to everyone. I so dislike rude people. White black men and women. And in my job I rarely run into many that says thank you for what I provide to them. Trust me they go to the bottom of my pile in the future. But those stupid just don’t get it. I have many friends of different races and cultures. I’m just plain civil with them all. I will not apologize for where I am. I worked… Read more »
Sorry, kid, the solution to ending racism is BEHAVING EQUAL. All races want to live with whites. However there’s no “diverse” communities without whites. Hispanics push out blacks, blacks push out koreans, koreans don’t live in china town. I was a property manager in LA, entire buildings become one racial group, either Asian or hispanic or black. Racism is NOT a white thing because the only place other races can hang out without hating each other is when whites are there to keep the peace. Racism ends when blacks stop raping old women, or beating up asians, or when hispanic… Read more »
Wow, I’m waiting to see the backlash you’re gonna get. A guy named Tommy Sotomayor (look him up) agrees with you as do many blacks.
Racism is a worldwide problem, it’s a human problem. It can be controlled, by legislation, education, and other projects. The real solution is to be found elsewhere. Visit http://racismchristian.blogspot.co.za/ for more on this matter.
If you ask me American Society today discriminates much more in other ways that have absolutely nothing to do with race. I laugh when black NFL players kneel before the anthem and carry on about racism and white privilege. These guys have more privilege than most of us will ever know due to their rare athletic potential. They’ve idolized since middle school.
An African American woman who is beautiful and sexy and a Caucasian woman who is fat and ugly. Whom do you think will be treated better overall?
Thanks for the advice. I always wonder if I am doing the right thing. I will tell you , part of the problem for me is being aware of my ancestors’ slave-owning, and treatment of our Native Americans, but guilt doesn’t fix things, Keep writing!
Such a great article, thank you so much for writing this!! ~
Then why do so many women in the women’s movement idolize people like Margaret Sanger?
“Let’s start with one absolute truth here: Every white person is either racist or benefits from the system of white supremacy. ” If you want to end racism, stop talking like this. We need to permit whites an identity that isn’t a solely negative one, blaming them for all the problems of the world, or for what some prior white supremacists did. Eventually more will just think “fuck it” and go for problematic views of whiteness, because hey, at least they’re not being relentlessly negative about it. (And besides, what happened to not judging people by the colour of their… Read more »
Exhibit A.
OirishM–you are the irony. Did you actually read LeRon’s article? Instead of getting on the defensive about what he has to say about racism and white supremacy (he never uses the phrase “white privilege”), why don’t you read it with an open mind and listen to what he is saying?
It’s pretty obvious to me that you have no desire to be part of the solution, you would just like to continue being part of the problem.
He doesnt say it, but he still “says” it by describing it and saying all white people benefit from a society that systemically punishes people of color. And y’know, I find it odd that this isn’t still a discussion when we JUST had a black president, and the fact that Asian Americans make another 25 cents for every dollar a white person makes? If white privelege is real and you can’t be racist to whites, then clearly Asians are the most racist race and we should all stand up against them? Right? We shouldn’t blame white people for everything that… Read more »
He doesnt say it, but he still “says” it by describing it and saying all white people benefit from a society that systemically punishes people of color.
No. He actually directly says it in his closing paragraph. Seriously go look at the last 3 sentences.
This is a glimpse into the everyday life of a person of color. This ain’t white privilege, this is racism. Understanding the system of white supremacy, how it functions, and affects everyone is paramount in being an ally.
“Instead of getting on the defensive about what he has to say about racism and white supremacy (he never uses the phrase “white privilege”), why don’t you read it with an open mind and listen to what he is saying?” I’m not going to take reading lessons from someone who actually hasn’t read the piece in question. He does use the term white privilege. Ctrl-F is your friend. “It’s pretty obvious to me that you have no desire to be part of the solution, you would just like to continue being part of the problem.” We did things your way… Read more »
Here’s a BETTER question… Notice the article seems to imply that ending racism requires WHITES to stop being THE (and only) racist. It doesn’t nor will you see any other articles ever presume that non-whites can’t fuck’n stand each other, and will create rival gangs. I loved the 1992 LA riots when the koreans had shootouts with black gang members because the koreans actually wanted money for the food they sold but blacks were shooting at them in drive by’s because anything non-black was THE racist. You see, blacks and koreans hate each other, hispanics and blacks hate each other.… Read more »
So in other words you think that, “I have some valid points which justifies me talking to people any way I want and if you don’t like the problem is entirely with you.”
That viewpoint is incredibly condescending on a count of basically expecting everyone else to be civil and respectful while at the same time refusing to practice what you preach.
Diversity is a myth. Blacks live in black areas, hispanics live in hispanic areas, muslims live in muslim areas, koreans live in korean areas. Blacks beat the shit out of koreans, hispanics chase out blacks, Muslims slowly push hispanics and blacks out. None of these groups can fug’n stand each other. the ONLY place they have “equality” is when whites are there to set and enforce rules. Otherwise their own groups won’t criticize their own group’s actions. The problem people have with “white supremacy” is whites like things to operate WITH RULES instead of letting people make it up as… Read more »
Uncommon sense, thank you for reading the piece. I am the author of the essay. I noticed that in your comments you referenced Blacks, Hispanics, and Muslims creating problems. So I wonder, what are white people doing, standing around acting innocently while this happens?
Right On, SPEAK UP ALWAYS!
In your life when you witness any negative & rude behaviors then step in and say something. Make it known in a peaceful way that certain types of hateful behavior are still not okay or allowed. It is one of most positive things you can do for someone else and yourself.
Treat each other with love and respect or we have nothing.
Peace…….
As always, straightforward but still generous-spirited. Shared on social media.
Thank you soooo much Marian!!!