What should we do next

Question

Recent posts have got me thinking, and I've asked a few times on comments, but they must get lost in the thread because no one answers.

Setting aside white privilege and the definition of racism Vs discrimination. Setting aside our ancestors, and history that none of us has any control over. I was hoping we could have a real conversation that may help us better understand what's needed from each other as humans.

It's obvious with the racial climate in the US that there is a problem. There wouldn't be so much outrage from blacks if there wasn't, sure there may be a few problems, but these are not just a few. It's a big deal, and blacks deserve to be heard without arguing about semantics and labels, it's distracting from the actual issues they are trying to bring to light, and I'm sure really frustrating.

I will not post anonymous, because I feel it's less sincere and we're more likely to be offended by reading into what someone is trying to say, thinking it insincere, or sarcastic.

I am white. What should I do as a white person, with no ties to government or law enforcement, that would help? What can I do personally to help blacks in the US who are obviously in need of people to understand, and stand with them? I would like to do something. I'm just not sure what I can do. I like what admin said about trying to hear and feel what the other side is trying to say.

I understand discrimination from the point of view of a disabled person, or a disabled person's caregiver, and while it's not exactly the same, there are a lot of similarities. But I have first hand knowledge of what that community needs. I am not a POC, so I don't fully understand what's needed in that community.

If this post is offensive, or if people start posting offensive comments, please let me know and I will email admin myself to request it's removal.

Answer

I have no idea about racism. We don't divide as races, we divide as castes.

I am comparing race to caste as it is what am familiar with. No intentionof hurting   anyone.

I am from the so called highest class which opressed the lower caste. The lower caste were not allowed to even drink water from the same well as upper caste and treated as literally people who serve the upper castes.

I married a person of lower caste, I have no intention or have not been brought up to think castes as different. But just by marrying my husband, I did not undo what happened in the past. Yes a lot of people hate us because they think we are privileged. I agree after being with my husband and seeing the difference of treatment towards him in various scenarios. I did NOT see it when I was just with my caste folks.

The opression is real and embedded in our society. The first step I would say is to acknowledge the privilege. That gives a lot of self reliazation to understand the subtle but very evident oppression. Only if we understand, we can start making the change. Only me understanding is not going to change. We need to do this as a society.

I am sorry if this came off as rude or ignorant. My intention is just trying to explain what I understand. If I have unintentionally upset anyone, I apologize in advance

Answer

I think this is a sensitive subject and there are no easy solutions. I don't pretend to have all the answers but this is what I think in regards to most forms of discrimination in the United States. I hope this is what you are looking for. 
Sometimes grand gestures are needed but mostly it's small day to things that can be done.

Individually, listen to and support people when they tell you how they are treated. Speak out if you hear overt discrimination. Encourage people (especially young people) to ask genuine questions. Most importantly and most difficult acknowledge that we ALL harbor unconscious biases and try to work through those. If you feel anger towards another race or community or hear criticism against your race or community and immediately feel anger ask yourself why?  Break those thoughts down. Let yourself feel them then move on. You can't opt out of most kinds of privilege but you can recognize it.

Systemically it's more difficult. I think education is always a good starting point. Support multicultural education and diversity in classrooms especially when children are very young. Support the eradication of poverty and wealth disparity. Support police accountability. This will benefit the good officers out there too. Recognize and accept your personal limitations while getting involved in whatever ways you are able to. This can even mean simply casting a vote now and then.

Finally never accept responsibility for the actions of others but be aware how those actions effect all of our lives.

Answer

Did you read the article I posted yesterday about white fragility? I think you may like it. It's titled "Excellent read..." ☺

Answer

Thanks for posting, I'm watching the replies and listening

Answer

I honestly feel there is nothing anyone can do other then be a good person... respect each other and determine your like or dislike of someone based off who they are as a person. No matter what though racism I feel will always be around because it's always the blame game.

Answer

Ask yourself why you have white guilt.

Answer

I have never understood why people automatically look at someone else and just see race. I only see people. I am white. (so damn white I almost glow in the dark! Lol) my sister has children that are labeled as bi-racial and my mother adopted my little sister who is also labeled this way. Using those labels upsets me and them. All I see when I look at them are my babies that I love as much as my own children. It doesn't matter what "race" someone is called we are part of the human "race" and no one is better or worse than anyone else. I feel ashamed for the way our ancestors treated people of different skin tones but it is 2015 and it's time for all the racism to stop! I know, I know, probably won't happen in my lifetime but I do know that it has never been nor ever will be an issue in my home. My children have all been told everyone is equal and that's just how it is. Racism is taught not something you are born knowing. I hope I haven't offended anyone by anything I posted just wanted to share what I think with everyone.

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