Speaking out about racism as a white woman from the UK
So here we are, the year 2020 discussing racism. In the first instance, I thought to myself I cannot believe that issues of race continue to dominate our media and discussions. After pondering that thought I then realised that it does not. It is never discussed, it is never at the forefront of our minds. I became conscious of the fact that as a white woman I do not think about race enough. Despite the fact that I believe myself to be free of racism, I had not understood the importance and the privilege of being able to sit back and educate myself on the matter, instead of being persecuted by it.
“2020 is not cancelled, but rather the most important year of them all”- Leislie Dwight
It is safe to say that this year has truly been one of the most challenging for us all, mentally and otherwise. It has been uncomfortable, painful and somewhat terrifying and raw...yet it has finally awoken us from our ignorant mindsets and forced us to grow and be brave in our humility. It is sadly true that it takes something devastating to happen such as the murder of George Floyd in order to create a catalyst for change. Nonetheless, it would seem that at this moment in time the world’s eyes are open and they are ready to accept the challenge of change. It is safe to say that we all get it wrong sometimes, none of us are born knowing all the answers. The main thing we must ask of each other therefore, is to think, act and fight.
“This is not a moment, it’s a movement” So, What can we do?
Firstly, acknowledge this as the beginning of a movement which will last. I strongly believe in the power of knowledge and the stability of change through the work of the masses. At this moment in time we cannot change the ideology of Boris Johnson who has the audacity to say that he believes in the Black Lives Matter movement… the irony actually hurts me. Please see an example on the left/above, courtesy of Sirena Bergman’s article in the Independent, here’s the link: https://www.indy100.com/article/boris-johnson-racist-keir-starmer-pmqs-george-floyd-black-lives-matter-9546586)
What we can do is educate ourselves, after all education leads to knowledge and some say that knowledge is power. Lesson one: note the importance of being anti-racist instead of non-racist. Author Ijowma Oluo stated “The beauty of anti-racism is that you don’t have to pretend to be free of racism to be an anti-racist. Anti-racism is the commitment to fight racism wherever you find it, even if that’s in yourself”. It is necessary to acknowledge the fact that racism is not just conscious hate, yet deeply rooted in a complex system of social and political systems created by whites to benefit themselves. Racism is an insidious cultural disease which is a part of our society; a society which we are all born into.
We must recognise anti-blackness around the globe. It has been an economic driving force for centuries, manifesting itself differently in different countries. I am afraid to say that the UK school curriculum is shocking in its ability to even mention the horrors of British Colonialism and subsequent genocides. It is therefore our duty to educate ourselves about racism in an attempt to crawl out of the socioeconomic and cultural traps of our past. Britain deprived nations of their freedoms, rights and resources. They stripped back their humanity to its core and left them bare. British brutality occurred in The Congo, Australia, East Africa, Zanzibar, Haiti, Palestine and India, just to name a few. I have attached a list at the end of this post of some sources which are important in helping us understand the British ‘Civilising missions’- (an idea generated by the ideological framework of the French colonial empire and adopted by British colonisers, that they could ‘uplift’ supposedly ‘backwards’ people who were incapable of self-rule). If you’re thinking what’s the point of learning about the past, it’s a distant memory…I am afraid to say it’s not. When slavery was ‘abolished’ in 1833, the Treasury forked out £20 million to repay slave owners for their ‘loss of property’. Their debt was still being paid to descendants of slave owners until as recently as 2015. Where was this money coming from? Your pocket, as a British tax payer.
Secondly, we must address the language we use in response to common racist comments. It is necessary to see colour. If you believe that you do not see colour, yet just another person in our human race, then think again. We must see a person’s race in order to recognise their oppression and the discrimination they face daily. Do not feel offended if you are called out for being racist, even if you believe you have been misunderstood. It is usually unintentional, yet your action will still create an impact. Understand how you have insulted that person, rather than insult their intelligence by insinuating that they misunderstood. Learn how to confront racist ideologies. The main statement we must combat is ‘all lives matter’. All lives cannot matter until black lives matter. This statement overlooks all injustice and will end progress before we can even start. Equality is achieved when advocacy for the marginalised is combatted.
Third and finally, take action. Post on social media but also have discussions in person. Watch, listen, screenshot and share in order to educate yourself and others. It is important to be an ally long term- actively support anti-racist and black-owned businesses and organisations. Be aware of your privilege. Do not frown on those protesting during Covid-19 for their basic human rights. UK protests are equally as important as those in the US. We must highlight awareness for campaigns as well as show solidarity. Do not forget the Government response to the impact on black people of Covid-19, from higher infection rates to economic hardship. Do not forget the death of Belly Mujinga. Donate. Sign petitions. Educate. Write to your local MP when you see an injustice. Most importantly, fight.
Let’s see 2020 as a year of intention. The dictionary defines intention as a mental state and commitment to carry out actions into the future. A second definition is the healing process of a wound. By defining 2020 as a year of intention, we define it as a year for radical and necessary change.
Actions to be taken:
Readings:
Alice L. Conklin- 'The Civilising Mission'
Aqua Hirsch- ‘British: race, identity and belonging’
Reni Eddo-Lodge- 'Why I am No Longer Talking to White People about Race'
Dr Alan Rutherford- 'How to Argue with a Racist'
Andrea levy- 'Small Island'
Patricia Hill Collins- 'Black Feminist Thought'
Layla F. Saad- 'Me and White Supremacy'
Dr. Ibram X. Kendi- 'How to be Antiracist'
Films and Documentaries:
13th (Netflix)
American Son (Netflix)
Who Killed Malcom X? (Netflix)
When They See Us (Netflix)
See You Yesterday (Netflix)
Petitions to sign:
Justice for Belly Mujinga: www.change.org/p/govia-thameslink-justice-for-belly-mujinga?utm_content=cl
Justice for George Floyd: https://www.change.org/p/mayor-jacob-frey-justice-for-george-floyd
Justice for Breonna Taylor: https://www.change.org/p/andy-beshear-justice-for-breonna-taylor
Justice for Tamir Rice: https://www.change.org/p/department-of-justice-investigate-the-killing-of-tamir-rice
How to write to your local MP:
Amnesty International UK has a brilliant template to follow and adapt: https://www.amnesty.org.uk/black-lives-matter-write-your-mp