A C C E S S I B L E A L L Y S H I P
Definition of the Week
White Fragility
We cannot effectively live in white humility without understanding this week's phrase: White Fragility.
As Robin DiAngelo outlines in her book White Fragility:
"White people in North America live in a social environment that protects and insulates them from race-based stress. This insulated environment of racial protection builds white expectations for racial comfort while at the same time lowering the ability to tolerate racial stress, leading to what I refer to as White Fragility.
White Fragility is a state in which even a minimum amount of racial stress becomes intolerable, triggering a range of defensive moves. These moves include the outward display of emotions such as anger, fear, and guilt, and behaviors such as argumentation, silence, and leaving the stress-inducing situation. These behaviors, in turn, function to reinstate white racial equilibrium."
When we do not confront our own tendency to become defensive, fearful, angry, guilty, or withdrawn, we perpetuate white power and white supremacy. There is no easy way to say this: our white fragility encourages the continuation of systemic racism.
We talked about White Privilege in Week 1, and it is because of our privilegethat we are so fragile about race discussions. As the race in power, we have been able to opt-out for so long that we now feel immense discomfort when we are called in. We feel discomfort when we are held accountable.
The only way to achieve white humility is to name and acknowledge our tendency toward white fragility so we can move beyond it.
It is crucial we begin to see that being told we did/said something racist is not a criticism, but rather a helpful call to do better.
As DiAngelo states in her book, "I know that I have blind spots and unconscious investments in racism. My investments are reinforced every day in mainstream society. I did not set this system up, but it does unfairly benefit me, I do use it to my advantage, and I am responsible for interrupting it. I need to work hard to change my role in this system, but I can’t do it alone. This understanding leads me to gratitude when others help me."
As we all take time to internalize and understand this phrase, remember that discomfort is good, acceptance is the first step to change, and being held accountable is something to be grateful for.
Challenge of the Week
Last week we talked about the importance of representation. This week, I challenge you to head to your local movie theater and see the new release The Hate U Give with a friend or family member. This challenge is two-fold:
This enlightening film will help shed light on the reality of navigating life as a young black girl in America. It is based off the #1 New York Times Best Seller The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas. I highly recommend the book as well, but for now I encourage you to get to the theater because...
We need to support diverse films in the box office. As we heard in last week's media, it is crucial to diversify representation in mainstream media. People of color deserve to see themselves represented widely and frequently. This is the norm for white people, but a rarity for people of color. A huge part of making diverse representation a reality is for us to show our support through consumerism.
Weekly Media:
Hear award-winning actor, activist and author, Gabrielle Union talk about raising her black sons, race in Hollywood and more in this powerful interview with Trevor Noah.
Weekly Quote:
“People are realizing and shouting and marching and demanding. They’re not forgetting. I think that’s the most important part.” - Angie Thomas
Weekly Reflection:
Do you often buy books, see movies, and watch shows that are created by and starring people of color? What other ways could you support diverse stories?