Hello, readers!
I have been following current events rather closely, and I've noticed that we white folx have trouble joining the conversation on race in a healthy, productive manner. As such, I have compiled a list of terminology/phrases that we should say, pause before saying, or definitely not say. I am not nitpicking here. The language that we use is very important because it frames the way we think about things, as well as the ways others interpret our words. The impact of our words & actions will always outweigh our intentions, so we must make certain that the words we are using are clear, specific, and helpful. If in doubt, it is best to approach the conversation with a posture of humility & ask questions. Do not assume, & above all, do not stay silent.
A disclaimer: This post is directed to my white readers, but others can benefit from it, as well. If you are white, please remember to listen before speaking, reflect before jumping in, & uplift BIPOC voices over your own. That said, when you do wish to speak on issues regarding race & ethnicity, here is a guide for doing so.
Do say:
BIPOC or POC
Why? BIPOC means Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, whereas POC just means People of Color. POC is not problematic, but BIPOC is preferable because it is more inclusive. These terms are preferable to ones like "minorities" (BIPOC are actually the majority, globally speaking) or "non-white people" (which casts white as "normal" and anyone else as "other").
I'm white
Why? I have noticed very often white people are tentative to name the obvious fact that we are white. It is most likely because acknowledging that fact means we must confront what being white means. It means we are privileged over BIPOC every single day because of the color of our skin. It means we benefit from white supremacy, regardless of whether we are actively "racist" or not. It means we must do something about our whiteness. But the first stop in solving any problem is acknowledging that it exists, so white people: stop avoiding the topic of race! The very fact that you are uncomfortable talking about race & admitting that it governs our interactions with other people reveals your privilege. BIPOC can't afford to ignore race, & neither can we.
Anti-racist
Why? I'll admit it, the first time I heard this term, I thought it didn't make any sense. Ibram X. Kendi had just come to my university to speak about anti-racism & his book, How to Be an Antiracist. I didn't understand, & instead of attending his talk to dispel my ignorance, I skipped it. But my friend later explained to me the simple truth: anti-racism is the act of dismantling white supremacy. It is not enough to be "not racist"--we must be anti-racist. If we are not actively working to end racism, then we continue to uphold the institution of white supremacy that oppresses BIPOC.
Pause before saying:
A voice for the voiceless
Why? Ask yourself this question: Am I claiming to be a voice for the voiceless because the person/group of people I am advocating for is truly unable to speak for themselves? Or do I view myself as a white savior who is personally responsible for someone else's liberty & independence? If you answered "yes" to the second question, step back & allow BIPOC to speak for themselves.
Instead, say: nothing. Uplift the voices of marginalized peoples & LISTEN TO THEM. Don't speak for them. When you do speak, be certain that you are not claiming to be an expert on the problems that BIPOC face. Above all, be humble. Accept criticism. And if you accidentally make a mistake, apologize. Don't hide. We all have internalized white supremacy & anti-blackness, but we must face it. That is the only way we can dismantle it.
Equality
Why? The term equality suggests sameness. For example, if we want "equal rights" for Black people in the workforce, that means we will employ the same number of Black people as white people, & they will be paid the same for doing the same work. This sounds nice on the surface, but equality ignores the 400+ years of oppression of BIPOC. Equality doesn't attempt to repair past damage or protect BIPOC from future harm. It doesn't take into account the reasons for inequality. In short, it addresses the symptoms, but not the larger problem, which is white supremacy.
Instead, say: equity, justice, reparations
Do not say:
All Lives Matter & Blue Lives Matter
Why? Of course, all lives matter. That is obvious. But this is inappropriate to say in response to the #BLM (Black Lives Matter) movement. If all lives matter, by which I mean, all lives are considered sacred by the law, then the #BLM movement would not be necessary. Black lives are considered expendable by the law, so we say #BLM in protest.
Do not say Blue Lives Matter, either. No one has blue skin, so this term is nonsensical. Police wear a blue uniform that they get to take off at the end of their shift. Black people have no such privilege, to step out of their skin & not be Black for a day. Plus, police lives are not considered worthless by the law. Police lives are not being destroyed & taken by a system created to exploit & oppress them. So do not say Blue Lives Matter.
Instead, say: Black Lives Matter, Black Trans Lives Matter, Black Women's Lives Matter, or any derivation thereof
There are two sides to every story
Why? This is a phrase commonly uttered in response to those condemning racism. It is a common rhetorical fallacy that assumes that on any given issue, there are two main streams of thought, both equally valid. People who say this tend to favor a balanced approach to life. At first glance, this seems wise, but being a centrist is not always the best call. For example, if you saw a person being mugged at gunpoint, would you say there are two sides to the story? Would you say that the mugger's perspective holds the same weight as the victim's? Of course not! Regardless of the mugger's reasons, they have committed a violent crime against another human being & deserve to face the consequences of their actions. That is why it is important not to say there are "two sides" to every story.
Sometimes, one side holds more weight than the other. It does not matter what a person's intent or feelings are if they have caused harm to another individual. At the end of the day, impact matters more than intention, & those who harm others must be held responsible. In the same way, claiming that people who have experienced racism at various levels need to consider the "other side" is extremely insensitive & unhelpful.
Instead, say: wow, this is a complicated subject. I can't imagine what you must be going through. I am here for you, even though I do not 100% understand.
Reverse racism
Why? This ridiculous term implies that it is possible to be racist against white people. For example, affirmative action is labeled "reverse racism" because it does not benefit white people directly. Any initiative or act that is created with POC in mind falls under the vague umbrella of "reverse racism." Let me clear this up. Efforts to make reparations or balance the scale so that white privilege decreases will always come under fire from white people who do not want to lose their white privilege. They mistake losing this privilege with being discriminated against. It is not the same thing. Furthermore, it is not possible to be racist against a white person. Racism is a systemic problem, not just an individual one. Until white people are consistently denied access to healthcare, jobs, good school districts, equal treatment, respect, human dignity, etc., racism against white people cannot exist.
Instead, say: personal prejudice against white people (but, really, it is best to say nothing at all & examine your motives for saying "reverse racism" before you speak up)
I'm not racist
Why? If you are white, chances are you actually are racist, or have been at some point in your life. Yes, that includes me. Racism isn't just marching around with the KKK or saying the n-word. In fact, it is this very portrayal of racism that is problematic. Us white folx often think that if we're not committing the grossest of atrocities, we are not racist, and therefore don't need to examine our actions & make changes. Racism could be asking your BIPOC friends where they are from simply because of their skin color or assuming that people who don't speak English are less intelligent. It could be saying that Black people wouldn't be killed if they just obeyed the law. In fact, it is this subtle racism that is more dangerous. Additionally, why do you need to justify yourself? Why are you being defensive? Examine your intentions.
Instead, say: nothing at all. Instead of speaking up & getting defensive, listen, reflect, learn.
I agree with the movement, but I cannot agree with the riots, protests, etc.
Why? Martin Luther King, Jr. (assimilationists' favorite activist to take out of context to support their racist agendas) once said, "A riot is the language of the unheard." I'm pretty sure Black people aren't destroying their own communities in protest as their first line of defense. The riots that took place all over the country starting in June were a cry for justice, after the polite requests for justice, then begging & pleading, then damning video evidence of the murders of Black individuals, then the peaceful protests, were all IGNORED. Rioting was an absolute last resort response to a problem that has been going on for far too long.
Furthermore, if you are more concerned about the problems that riots cause than the problems that white supremacy causes, your priorities are mixed up. Insurance will take care of property damage, but as of now there is no way to raise murdered or lynched Black people from the dead. Prioritize BIPOC over property.
Instead, say: nothing. It is not up to white people to condemn Black people for their responses to injustice. Focus on holding yourself & other white people accountable for supporting white supremacy.
I'm colorblind
Why? Are you literally colorblind? You can only see in greyscale? No? Then that's not true. You can see the entire light spectrum, & you can distinguish between white, Black, & Brown. Don't pretend you don't see race. You clearly do, or you wouldn't be trying to cover it up. Colorblindness is a failed response to the issue of racism which posits that ignoring it will make it go away. In fact, problems that are left to fester under the surface become larger, not smaller. Racism can only intensify when left unchecked, so we cannot afford to ignore it.
Instead, say: I recognize that there are different races & ethnicities, & I value every person & their unique story.
I understand that changing the way we speak is difficult. I struggle with my language, as well. We will make mistakes, but we must strive to do better. If we change our language, we can change the world.
xx Liz
What are some anti-racists terms that you seek to use in your day-to-day lived experience?