I just read this post at Angry Black Woman. Amazing.
Fyi, IBARW is International Blog Against Racism Week. It's this week.
Quote:
August 3, 2009
We Have Feelings Too or The Cost Of Being A POC in Race Discussions
Posted by karnythia
Originally I wasn't going to write any posts for IBARW. Then it was just going to be the one. I'm up to three now. Because it's been that kind of week. And since this post is about emotion it's probably not going to be as polished as some of my other pieces. Or as polite. But, that's the risk you take when you talk about race and racism with a POC.
One of the things people tend to say to me (especially after they've tried to hammer sense into someone's head for hours only to discover that bigotry can be a security blanket to some people) is that they don't know how I keep my calm in these conversations. And I tend to wave it off, because really I don't see a point in talking about the emotional impact of participating in these discussions. No, that's a lie. I do talk about it. In safe spaces, behind closed doors with people I know I can trust. Because that's the only place it's (generally) acceptable to show weakness as an anti-racist POC. Otherwise the slurs and the misconceptions and the appropriation and the fucking fail will make you cry in front of people who have already made it clear that your feelings don't matter to them.
...
I'm going to let you in on a little secret. Now this might shock and/or offend some people, but I have to say that today is not a day when I give a fuck. Because when POC have teaching moments? It costs us. Sometimes a little. Sometimes a lot. It's a sacrifice that we choose to make in an effort to improve things. It's a moment (or more) out of our lives that we knowingly open ourselves up to things that any sane person would want to avoid under normal circumstances. Because there is no other option.
Oh, we could leave the people saying awful things to wallow in ignorance. But in the long run isolationism is not actually a helpful position. Especially since we are living in a global society, and there really is nowhere to withdraw to for the long haul. So, we wade in when we can, and we try to make sure that if even if the person saying offensive things doesn't get it; other people reading will have access to the right information. And sometimes when the fail is too big and the pain is too acute? We get sarcastic and snark the stupid. Because you have to do something to ease the trauma when you're 100 comments in and people are still insisting that the 65 links to respectable websites, 23 bits of anecdata, and the entire weight of history are all wrong and it's the fault of POC that racism isn't gone because they insist on being people of color instead of "normal" white people. It's hard enough to stand strong in the face of willful stupidity, don't expect us to be nice about it too.
Link here.
There are links to more IBARW posts at the link as well.
Considering this as a piece of astonishing insight doesn't really do justice to the internalized reality, and the effort it takes to lay it out like this.
Awesome.
that made me happy that there's someone writing n showin how we feel bare times in a day lol
Bumping. Perhaps when I figure out how to make a stickie I will do that too.
I'm going to let you in on a little secret. Now this might shock and/or offend some people, but I have to say that today is not a day when I give a fuck. Because when POC have teaching moments? It costs us. Sometimes a little. Sometimes a lot. It's a sacrifice that we choose to make in an effort to improve things. It's a moment (or more) out of our lives that we knowingly open ourselves up to things that any sane person would want to avoid under normal circumstances. Because there is no other option.
We get sarcastic and snark the stupid. Because you have to do something to ease the trauma when you're 100 comments in and people are still insisting that the 65 links to respectable websites, 23 bits of anecdata, and the entire weight of history are all wrong and it's the fault of POC that racism isn't gone because they insist on being people of color instead of "normal" white people. It's hard enough to stand strong in the face of willful stupidity, don't expect us to be nice about it too.
Link here.
When I read this post, it reminded me of the reaction and subsequent actions of both readers and moderators alike when Union Racism was the topic of discussion not so very long ago. I loved it. Whites pronouncing on whether or not a POC could barge into the sanctified whiteness of Babble and talk about Racism and Union racism no less. A Blog was mentioned. It was pontificated as a "Piece of Shit" Blog. To most Whites it "was" a piece of shit" blog. But then, for victims of systemic racism, shit kinda emotions get aroused. To someone who has endured racism and most especially Union racism, it is an enlightening blog. The pontificators and defenders of the status quo in Unions, wrote the whole piece off as anti-labor. No thought or quarter was given in examining whether or not racism took place in that particular posting for a Union job, it was written off as the grumblings of a disgruntled member. Great posting this one and thanks to Maysie for bringing it to our attention, because it exposes how racism is defended, yes, even written off by people who think they are enlightened and call themselves progressive. Want confirmation? Visit that posting on Union racism!!