captain-acab:

kymeira:

Not mine, but passing along. Another contradiction to be mindful of is that while you can use your “whiteness” to protect others, you have to recognize that whiteness is a construct that can’t continue to exist. That’s the priviledge/power that you give up, and because of that it’s important to reconnect with your ancestral roots (and learn its history). Make connections in diaspora, think about what diaspora means to you, and reclaim your identity distinct from capitalism/american nationalism.

Because this is important and also hard to read, here’s a transcription:

The image is a series of concentric rings, each containing two paired statements that contradict each other. The rings are formed from arrows pointing from one statement to its pair, and vice-versa. The whole infographic is labeled, “contradictions for white people in racial justice work.”

In the first ring, statement A says: “White people are a particular liability in racial justice movements.” Statement B says: “White people have specific and critical roles to play in racial justice movements.”

In the second ring, statement A says: “It can feel humiliating to have not participated meaningfully in racial justice work before now, and suddenly want to join.” Statement B says: “In order to grow stronger and win, the movement requires new people to join.”

In the third ring, statement A says: “When you’re working on ending an oppression that you benefit from, people will rightfully mistrust you and be hard on you.” Statement B says: When you’re working on ending racism, it’s good to be nice to yourself and patient with yourself.”

In the fourth ring, statement A says: “White activists need to listen to, defer to, and take leadership from POC.” Statement B says: “Because ‘POC’ is not a monolithic identity that all believes one thing, white activists need to cultivate their own analysis and judgment over time.”

In the fifth ring, statement A says: “One specific role for white people is being tough about holding one another accountable.” Statement B says:” Another key role for white people is extending compassion, care and patience to other white people.”

In the sixth and innermost ring, statement A says: Racial justice work involves white people giving up or giving away their power.” Statement B says: “Another part of racial justice work is white people strategically using their power rather than hiding it, denying it or pretending it doesn’t exist.”