Chippys_mittensYour opinion is important
ZagorathI worry about this sometimes. I don’t ever want to be seen as speaking “for” minorities I’m not a member of, but I do want to be seen speaking “up for” them. And I worry about finding the right balance. I don’t want to speak over them, but do want to help make it clear that I support them and I am opposed to those who are opposed to them. I don’t want to be MLK’s “white moderate”.
KoboldCoterieI feel that the most important thing is to speak out against the people who oppose minorities’ rights. You don’t need to speak for minorities to oppose those who oppress them.
I struggle with this too. I’m reading White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo right now though and it’s main suggestion is to just oppose racism when you see it. Call white people out on their behavior even if it makes everyone uncomfortable and makes you unpopular.
Also, to listen to feedback from people of color without getting defensive. No one is going to be perfect and we live in a system which is constantly socializing us, it’s ok if we fuck up but just try and fix it when you learn better.
MrSelfDestruct25Stand beside, not in front.
You can stand in front as a shield, but only then.
Careful thinking justice is a universe or objective concept.
CubitOomI heard this once, and it’s stuck with me since: don’t speak for people that you don’t speak to. It helps me remember that I don’t understand the conditions a marginalized community faces if I’m not a part of it, and I should do the work of listening and understanding before inserting myself into a situation with perhaps well-intentioned, but misguided, attempts at helping.
MurseYou don’t need to worry about shit. Propaganda like the OP’s serves only to make you feel guilty about speaking up, pushing you to become one of MLK’s white moderates.
If you’re in a position to advocate for a group who’s voice is being muffled, do it.
You already know the distinction between that and talking over them - don’t let internet bullshit blur the line.