Privilege and Prejudice – Why we must all be held accountable.

Memorial artwork by @shirien.creates, Instagram

On Monday 25th May, forty-six-year-old African American George Floyd was pronounced dead in Minneapolis. Just a few hours earlier, Floyd was paying for his groceries when a customer called the police. The customer in question suspected Floyd was signing a fraudulent cheque, which later proved to be a false accusation (not that this matters one bit). Soon after, Derrick Chauvin, a white Minneapolis police officer, knelt on Floyd’s neck for several minutes. Floyd begged the officer to stop, repeatedly saying “I can’t breathe,” before eventually losing consciousness.

Minutes later, video footage of Floyd’s asphyxiation, taken by bystanders, went viral. Viewers were justifiably shocked and disgusted by the footage circling social media. For many, particularly those outside the United States, the video served as a stinging reminder of the acidity of racism in 2020. But in the words of Will Smith, "racism isn't getting worse, it's getting filmed". On Tuesday, the Mayor of Minneapolis, Jacob Frey, announced that the four officers that had been at the scene had been fired. “This is the right call,” Frey Tweeted. “Being Black in America should not be a death sentence.”

However, the officers in question are yet to be charged. A campaign seeking #JusticeForFloyd is gaining support from millions of people around the world, while Floyd’s family call for the officers to be charged with murder. Floyd’s murder has seen a resurgence in #BlackLivesMatter protests across America, as thousands descend on the streets of Minneapolis. On Thursday, protesters gathered outside the police department’s 3rd Precinct, thought to be ‘the epicentre of unrest’ (BBC, 2020). According to reports, ‘Officers fired tear gas and rubber bullets in an attempt to disperse the crowd.’ (BBC). Why is it that events in 2020 can be directly paralleled to those of March 7th, 1965? Have we learned nothing in all this time?

Having said that, who am I to talk? It would be all too easy to turn this article into uninformed virtue-signalling from another white person. As a white woman living in the Western world, my privileges are undeniable. Author and activist Reni Eddo-Lodge remarks “white privilege is the fact that if you’re white, your race will almost certainly positively impact your life’s trajectory in some way. And you probably won’t even notice it.” (Eddo-Lodge, R. 2018). That’s not to say that white people have never struggled, lived in poverty, or been subject to other prejudices. But the truth of the matter is this: if you are white, your life is steeped in privilege, whether you like it or not. Put simply, “white privilege doesn't mean your life isn't hard. It means your skin tone isn't one of the factors making it harder.” (Laws, C. 2020).

In truth, I was pretty apprehensive about writing this article. Initially, I worried that I would come across as some sort of spokesperson, talking about an issue which wasn’t mine to discuss. But as the days went by, my discomfort at remaining a bystander outgrew any other concerns. Whiteness is very much a political structure used to oppress minority groups. I realised that in order to educate myself, I need to take on the work of understanding my own privilege. I can’t expect anyone else to explain my privileges and help me feel better about having them. This is not about my conscience, as this is not a problem existing within my head. Also, to my past self I say this: of course I can discuss this issue. In fact, that’s exactly what I should be doing. Racism is a discussion to be had by everyone.

White people, we need to hold ourselves accountable. If you benefit from white supremacy, you partake in diluted racism. Instead of denying your embarrassment, question why you feel uncomfortable. Allow yourself to sit and asses your situation. Are you, perhaps unknowingly, contributing to the problem? The toxicity of white silence seeps directly into black oppression. As Rachel Cargel said, “White feelings should not be held in higher regard to Black lives.” (Cargel, R). We must all check and understand our privileges, no matter how much they make you squirm. Because, in the words of journalist Chloe Laws: “I'd take white people being uncomfortable over black people being murdered. Wouldn't you?” (Laws, C. 2020).

A good first step is to educate yourself. Read books, tune into podcasts, research black history. Promise to listen to and amplify the voices of people of colour. “In a racist society, it is not enough to be non-racist, we must be anti-racist.” (Davis, A.). Being impartial doesn’t change a thing. Instead, we must take action.

It’s important that white people listen to black people. After all, there’s a difference between being a white ally and a white saviour. ‘No White Saviours’ is an organisation that highlights this difference: "We never said “no white people”. We just know you shouldn’t be the hero of the story. If you’re not uncomfortable, you’re not listening".

Nobody should be an ally of a minority group for recognition. This is not about white people feeling guilty. I can offer my support, my time and my awareness. I can protest, I can listen, and I can constantly check my privileges. I can call out racism whenever I see it. If you want to help, start at home. Talk to your parents and grandparents, siblings, friends and co-workers. In having positive, challenging discussions, we can undo learned behaviours and reassess perspectives. Rather than trying to save black people, who “don't need rescuing from the people who created the system that mistreats them” (Laws, C. 2020), focus on improving your own actions instead.

It’s worth noting that being anti-racist is hardly a quick tick-box; you need to constantly reassess yourself and your way of life. In her book 'Me and White Supremacy: Combat Racism, Change the World, and Become a Good Ancestor' Layla F. Saad says: “Shallow understanding from people of good will is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will. Lukewarm acceptance is much more bewildering than outright rejection." (2020).

If you are working from home whilst in isolation, it may seem impossible to protest racism. However, even the smallest actions can contribute to a butterfly effect of education and improvement. Sign petitions and share them on social media, make donations to relevant causes if you can, and raise awareness wherever possible. Even an action as small as reading the relevant news and staying informed is a start. You do not need to be a spokesperson. What we need are active, everyday allies. Carry your activism forwards into playgrounds, offices, coffee shops, streets, family gatherings and relationships. Read up and speak up. Listen first and talk once informed. Do the work and offer support wherever possible. After all, making a start is making a difference.

Relevant fundraisers and petitions:

Floyd, P. (2020) Official George Floyd Memorial Fund, Available at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/georgefloyd (Accessed: 29th May 2020).

Kellen,S. (2020) Justice for George Floyd, Available at: https://www.change.org/p/mayor-jacob-frey-justice-for-george-floyd (Accessed: 29th May 2020).

Minnesota Freedom Fund (2020) SUPPORT BLACK YOUTH LED MOVEMENTS RIGHT NOW, Available at: https://minnesotafreedomfund.org/ (Accessed: 29th May 2020).

References:

Anon, BBC News (2020) George Floyd: Protesters set Minneapolis police station ablaze, Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-52844192 (Accessed: 29th May 2020).

Cramer, M. (2015) How To Be A Better Ally: An Open Letter To White Folks, Available at: https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/anotherround/how-to-be-a-better-ally-an-open-letter-to-white-folks (Accessed: 29th May 2020).

Eddo-Lodge, R. (2018) Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race, U.K.: Bloomsbury Publishing. Laws, C. (2020) White people, here's how to be a better ally and proactively anti-racist, Available at: https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/article/how-to-be-a-white-ally (Accessed: 29th May 2020). National Museum of African American History & Culture (2020) Being Antiracist, Available at: https://nmaahc.si.edu/learn/talking-about-race/topics/being-antiracist (Accessed: 29th May 2020).

Saad, L. (2020) Me and White Supremacy: How to Recognise Your Privilege, Combat Racism and Change the World, U.K.: Quercus.

Zoppo, A. (2017) From Selma to Montgomery: 5 Things You May Not Know About 'Bloody Sunday', Available at: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/selma-montgomery-5-things-you-may-not-know-about-bloody-n729276 (Accessed: 29th May 2020).