“White privilege” is a phrase that holds a lot of controversy because people feel attacked by the phrase. After all, no one chooses what race they are (except for Rachel Dolezal apparently) or whether they are born with an advantage over others. However, having white privilege does not mean you are a bad person or that you have no struggles; it simply acknowledges that truth that, in western society and many others, white people are benefitted more by the systems of that society than those of a different, minority race even when in the same social, political or economic circumstances. Again, this does not negate your struggles and hard work, rather it concerns acknowledging the intersectionality of your race in regards to society’s treatment of you. It is real and it exists. So, in the face of recognizing your white privilege, the next question is “What next?” The answer is simple: be a better white person. The following are tips on navigating the world of being an advocate and ally.
1. Use your voice when others cannot
Often marginally oppressed groups will not be given the same platform as you, so you will need to use your voice if others will not be heard. Staying silent when you could be advocating for others does nothing to further equality and as a person in a place of privilege you should be elevating others less privileged than you. And, most important, don’t let other white people get away with saying stupid s***. When you hear someone speaking with ignorance or hatred, call them out and educate them.
2. Know when to stay silent
While you can and should be an educated voice for change, you also should not infringe on someone else’s platform. For example, if you are at a Black Lives Matter rally or protest, you do not need to be the person making speeches or in the media spotlight. You should be there as an ally and a silent support system as well as listening and learning. Very often you will need to shut up and listen.
photo credit: Chelsea Schmidt
3. Be an ally
Much of what being an ally means is encompassed in the previous two points, especially the latter, but it is good to know exactly what an ally is. An ally is someone who acts in solidarity with a group they may not be a part of, such as the LGBTQIA+ community or the Latinx community. You acknowledge that you are not the same and that you are more privileged than the group you support and elevate but you join in the quest for equality, liberation or whatever other goals they may be striving toward.
4. Constantly educate yourself
Allying yourself with a marginally oppressed group requires education on their issues, experiences, and goals. Ways to do this is to simply listen (see point two) and to research the history of oppression for the group.
Privilege is not your fault, but it is something you can try and control by striving to break down the societal systems that allow for blatant privilege. Realistically, it will never completely disappear from our society, but that should not sway you from doing what you can. Acknowledge your privilege and use it for good. Really, the basis of this is being a good person: help others, be considerate and grow.Â