Weekly Newsletter, November 8, 2018
A C C O U N T A B L E A L L Y S H I P
Love that does not satisfy justice is no love at all.
“The White liberal must see that the Negro needs not only love, but justice. It is not enough to say, “We love Negroes, we have many Negro friends.” They must demand justice for Negroes. Love that does not satisfy justice is no love at all. It is merely a sentimental affection."
Martin Luther King. Jr. in his 1967 book Where Do We Go from Here – Chaos or Community?
Last night we saw the values of the United States in action. Although there were some disappointing losses, it is important to take time to recognize the ways our country moved the needle:
Voting rights were restored to 1.4 million Floridians
More than 100 women to the U.S. House of Representatives for the first time in history
Not one, but two Muslim women were elected to Congress for the first time in history
Not one, but two Latina Congress members from Texas
Colorado elected the nation's first openly gay male governor
The first black Congresswoman in Massachusetts
Not one, but two Native American women were elected to Congress for the first time in history
New York’s 14th District elected the youngest woman to Congress in history, a Puerto Rican raised in the Bronx
Democrats took back the house
Using our whiteness to seek justice on the behalf of those we love who belong to the immigrant community, refugee community and communities of color is our privilege. The good kind of privilege. White voters have a long way to go (more on that later) but there is hope yet. And we have excellent leaders of color (see bottom of newsletter for who to follow) showing us the way.
Democracy is one of the ways we can disrupt racism on a macro-level. This week we are going to celebrate those wins (yay!) and then bring it back to the micro-level and hold ourselves accountable as individuals. Let's get to it.
Weekly Definition
Microaggressions
Microaggressions are the everyday verbal, nonverbal, and environmental slights, snubs, or insults, whether intentional or unintentional, which communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative messages to target persons based solely upon their marginalized group membership.
Perpetrators of microaggressions are often unaware that they engage in such communications.
Microaggressions occur frequently toward marginalized groups and therefore it is not necessarily about a singular comment, but rather the cumulative effect of these incessant comments.
I have committed microaggressions with no harm intended, but my well meaning intent does not negate the impact. Read through examples of microaggressions and the messages they send below:
Example: "You speak such good English!"
Message: I see you as a foreigner. I am surprised you can speak my language because I don't think you look like you should be able to. I am wondering where you are really from and not seeing you as an American.
Example: "When I look at you, I don't see color."
Message: Your racial/ethnic experiences are not valid.
Example: “I’m not a racist. I have several Black friends.”
Message: I refuse to be challenged or seen as a racist because I have relationships with people of color. I will take no accountability for the systemic racism I contribute to as a white person because I do not feel I am individually racist.
Example: “Everyone can succeed in this society, if they work hard enough.”
Message: I am denying systemic racism and your experiences navigating this world as a person of color. I am implying that people of color are lazy and/or incompetent and simply need to work harder.
Example: "But where are you from originally?"
Message: I know people from Idaho and they are all white. I don't see you as normal/as someone who belongs to the same place as the white people I know from Idaho. You can't possibly actually identify with or claim that area. Please validate my biases by telling me where you are really from.
Example: "Wow, you are so articulate.”
Message: I unconsciously believe it is unusual for someone of your race to be intelligent or well-spoken.
Example: "Omg I love your hair! Can I touch it?!"
Message: You are a token, I don't see your full humanity, I see one piece of you as desirable/unique and I think I have the right to interact with that piece.
Example: “As a woman, I know what you go through as a racial minority.”
Message: Your racial oppression is no different than my gender oppression. I'm just like you, I know what you're going through. This response silences the woman of color sharing her experience, and keeps us from continuing to learn about racial oppression and halts our ability to seek to understand the experience of our brothers/sisters/non-binary individuals of color.
Example: "Do you play football here?"
Message: The only way you would be here and attending this university is if it is for your athletic talent. Other than that, someone with your skin color doesn't belong. I don't see you as someone who has intellectual value, I see you as someone who will help my college team. I also might be assuming you are here on scholarship, implying that families with your skin color don't have money.
Example: "I can't even hear your accent!"
Message: Good job, you have assimilated to my idea of "normal" - I don't believe I have an accent. I believe if you talk like me, you are talking the "right" way.
According to studies from Harvard, "Research has shown that microaggressions, although they're seemingly small and sometimes innocent offenses, can take a real psychological toll on the mental health of their recipients. This toll can lead to anger and depression and can even lower work productivity and problem-solving abilities."
Weekly Challenge
In this video by Columbia University Professor, Derald Wing Sue, outlines five ways to help prevent yourself from committing microaggressions in the future:
Be constantly vigilant of your own biases and fears.
Seek out interaction with people who differ from you (in terms of race, culture, ethnicity, and other qualities).
Don't be defensive.
Be open to discussing your won attitudes and biases ad how they might have hurt others or in some sense revealed bias on your part.
Be an ally, by standing personally against all forms of bias and discrimination.
This week's challenge:
Reflect on a microaggression you have committed in the past. Instead of feeling shame or guilt, talk yourself through how you would handle that situation with the knowledge you have now.
Follow:
Something that has completely shifted my perspective and awareness about my own privilege is changing who I follow on social media. I have learned an unbelievable amount from social justice leaders like Rachel Cargle, Brittany Packnett, and Layla F. Saad.
These women are leading the way by sharing their perspectives, stories, and expertise in anti-racist work. They are champions of justice for everyone - not just for those who look like them. Your eyes will be opened and perspective will be widened simply by adding them to your feed.
Watch:
I know not everyone is a "movie person" but I am. The theater, the popcorn, the candy, the two hour experience of a life and world different than mine through the screen - I LOVE IT.
This is another week of encouragement for you to go see The Hate U Give while it's still in theaters. It is an enlightening film and the best movie I have seen all year (yes, I have seen A Star Is Born !!! also very good, but this is better). Take a friend or a loved one and make a night of it. As we have talked about, representation matters. Supporting this film supports people of color and helps ensure we will continue to see diverse stories on the big screen.
Listen:
For my fellow faithful podcasters: NPR's Code Switch is always a great listen, but this episode (which was actually about the 2016 elections) is oh so relevant today. Give it a listen here.