I appreciate the conversation as I do think that there is absolute merit in thinking about who is leading these conversations around whiteness. You're correct; as Black bodies, we understand whiteness very well but our experiences are relegated to the sidelines of narratives like White Fragility.
In essence, the emphasis as you have shared shifts from our stories and centres the white body experience. I also agree that it then becomes a 'cash flow' so to speak for those white bodies who 'decide' to do the work, with Black bodies and those lived experiences becoming secondary to the white experience.
It can be difficult to balance all of the critical participants in the work of dismantling white supremacy, while simultaneously challenging anti-Blackness.
I’ll be honest. Even though I feel this way, I often find myself conflicted. Part of me thinks it’s better for white people to have a starting point they can cope with and that’s where books like DiAngelo’s come in.
However, a larger part of me sees work like hers as profiteering, plus - and this is important - white people don’t understand whiteness half as well as Black people do.
_____________
Thank you for this. I, too, have felt conflicted. Your point is so well taken about lived experienced of Blackness and whiteness AND I have thought: If reading DiAngelo's work is the way to get white people on board, SO BE IT. If that is the entryway...it's better than nothing.
Thank you for this article and so much food for thought, Sharon. 🤔
I remember the first time we had a conversation about the books of DiAngelo, and you told me that you don’t read books about anti-racism from white authors. Being Black and growing up with white parents I thought it would be a good idea for white people to start exploring the topic of anti-racism with white authors’ content. Today I know better and realize that I have been focusing on white comfort way too much.
I often get asked by white folx who are interested in anti-racism work whether they should do this work by facilitating workshops. I still believe that white folx should also facilitate these tough conversations, but they should be mindful of not taking up too much space and always in collaboration with Black people and other Global Majority people.
I've read WF by diangelo and thought it was a good starting point (I'm white) but now I have questions about her reasons for writing. I have made a point of now only reading Black authors. And DEI stuff!! Yikes, a lot of what I've encountered through my job's suggestions are online and sort of not clear who's running the show in the course.
I keep asking my boss for good DEI work but get nowhere.
Purely my opinion, all white people need to read. I for one am learning the depth and breadth of thought, feelings, impact of actions and inaction on the lives of Black people despite decades of engagement in DEI programs. It's informing my thinking about everything from when to act and when to step aside because I don't and can't formulate answers to how be be a better supervisor.
I appreciate the conversation as I do think that there is absolute merit in thinking about who is leading these conversations around whiteness. You're correct; as Black bodies, we understand whiteness very well but our experiences are relegated to the sidelines of narratives like White Fragility.
In essence, the emphasis as you have shared shifts from our stories and centres the white body experience. I also agree that it then becomes a 'cash flow' so to speak for those white bodies who 'decide' to do the work, with Black bodies and those lived experiences becoming secondary to the white experience.
It can be difficult to balance all of the critical participants in the work of dismantling white supremacy, while simultaneously challenging anti-Blackness.
I’ll be honest. Even though I feel this way, I often find myself conflicted. Part of me thinks it’s better for white people to have a starting point they can cope with and that’s where books like DiAngelo’s come in.
However, a larger part of me sees work like hers as profiteering, plus - and this is important - white people don’t understand whiteness half as well as Black people do.
_____________
Thank you for this. I, too, have felt conflicted. Your point is so well taken about lived experienced of Blackness and whiteness AND I have thought: If reading DiAngelo's work is the way to get white people on board, SO BE IT. If that is the entryway...it's better than nothing.
Thank you! I've ordered it!
Thank you for this article and so much food for thought, Sharon. 🤔
I remember the first time we had a conversation about the books of DiAngelo, and you told me that you don’t read books about anti-racism from white authors. Being Black and growing up with white parents I thought it would be a good idea for white people to start exploring the topic of anti-racism with white authors’ content. Today I know better and realize that I have been focusing on white comfort way too much.
I often get asked by white folx who are interested in anti-racism work whether they should do this work by facilitating workshops. I still believe that white folx should also facilitate these tough conversations, but they should be mindful of not taking up too much space and always in collaboration with Black people and other Global Majority people.
I think it's really complex 😑
Thank you. Excellent advice.
I've read WF by diangelo and thought it was a good starting point (I'm white) but now I have questions about her reasons for writing. I have made a point of now only reading Black authors. And DEI stuff!! Yikes, a lot of what I've encountered through my job's suggestions are online and sort of not clear who's running the show in the course.
I keep asking my boss for good DEI work but get nowhere.
I will continue to work on my own.
Purely my opinion, all white people need to read. I for one am learning the depth and breadth of thought, feelings, impact of actions and inaction on the lives of Black people despite decades of engagement in DEI programs. It's informing my thinking about everything from when to act and when to step aside because I don't and can't formulate answers to how be be a better supervisor.