My family and I have engaged in numerous discussions about white privilege with others. As a multiracial family dedicated to anti-racism, we’ve found that many of our white friends and relatives often seek clarity on various terms, such as white fragility, systemic racism, colorblindness, and white privilege itself.
While we appreciate the chance to illuminate these concepts, explaining them can sometimes lead to confusion, denial, or defensiveness. For individuals who have experienced the advantages of white privilege throughout their lives, understanding how it impacts others can be particularly challenging. Art can provide a unique perspective that makes these issues more accessible and relatable.
Multidisciplinary designer Mia Johnson, a white and Hispanic artist, recently shared her insightful Guide to White Privilege on social media, which has garnered significant attention, being shared over 18,000 times on Facebook alone. Johnson effectively debunks myths surrounding the term, stating, “White privilege doesn’t imply that your life hasn’t been difficult; it means your skin color isn’t one of the factors making life harder.” She also elaborates on systemic racism and offers actionable steps for those with white privilege, such as “committing to listen to and uplift the voices of people of color.” Her message encourages individuals to strive for active anti-racism rather than merely being “non-racist.”
Mia’s drive to create art that inspires anti-racist action stems from her personal experiences. Growing up in a predominantly white community, she was often scrutinized for her appearance and faced multiple microaggressions. She shared with a popular parenting blog that “the issues I witnessed became increasingly impossible to ignore.” Over the past year, she has felt compelled to speak out, even in her professional life.
This hesitation is something I’ve heard echoed from many friends of color. Women of color who speak out about racism often face stereotypes and are labeled as “angry” or accused of playing the “race card.” They are expected to endure challenges without voicing their legitimate feelings regarding racism. Instead of engaging in arguments with women of color when they share their truths, we can focus on becoming anti-racist allies.
The term anti-racism serves as a response to the false neutrality of the “non-racist” narrative and the idea of colorblindness. Claiming to be non-racist or colorblind is dismissive and counterproductive. Desmond Tutu wisely cautioned that choosing neutrality effectively aligns one with the oppressor. Unless we actively engage in anti-racism, we contribute to the perpetuation of white supremacy and the marginalization of people of color.
Feeling overwhelmed by where to start is common, but artist Naomi Rivers encourages allies to assess the level of diversity in their everyday lives. She notes, “Perfection isn’t required for participation. You can work towards greater diversity in your life while also speaking out against injustice.” Rivers emphasizes that allyship is a journey and urges us to critically assess our friendships, community leaders, and the businesses we support.
It’s crucial not to rely on a “token Black friend” to educate us about anti-racism. Expecting individuals we know to carry the burden of educating us on all matters of race is unreasonable. We must take the initiative to learn ourselves—reading books by authors of color, following anti-racist creatives on social media, and reflecting on our own actions and motivations.
As a white woman raising Black children, my path toward anti-racism has been both challenging and enlightening. Speaking out about white privilege has cost me friendships and resulted in accusations of being racist against my own race. Conversations about race can make white individuals uncomfortable, often leading to defensiveness rather than openness to learning and change. While it may be easier to retreat into a comfort zone, this only sustains the problem.
My commitment to my children remains unwavering, regardless of outside opinions. I aim to nurture confident, racially aware children who appreciate their cultural heritage. If that discomforts some white individuals, that’s their issue. I’ve seen significant, hopeful growth in others.
Art serves as a potent tool in the fight against racism. If we can open ourselves up to the lessons offered by BIPOC artists, we might do the necessary inner work to become allies rather than adversaries.
For further insights on this topic, check out this article on home insemination and its connection to understanding diversity in family dynamics. You can also find valuable resources about pregnancy and home insemination here.
Summary:
This article discusses the importance of understanding white privilege and anti-racism, emphasizing art as a powerful tool for education. It highlights the experiences of individuals like Mia Johnson, who create work that encourages active allyship and critical self-reflection. The author, a white woman raising Black children, shares her journey toward anti-racism and the challenges that come with it. Ultimately, the piece advocates for personal growth and learning in the pursuit of equality.