Do you recognize Black smiles? If so, this article isn't about you. In fact, it's not about any individual person of Euro descent. It's about a systemic bias that needs to be exposed and addressed because it affects Black people's quality of life today.
Real allies don't drop like flies. We stay in the fight because we know that it's not about any individual, it's about the system. We know that none of us are free till all of us are free.
You've been the only person your color in the room? Get dirty looks from strangers and can't find a peaceful place anywhere? Been shunned by family? Yeah, that's how Black people feel too, except for the getting shunned by family part -- instead, they get shunned by mainstream society so there's that. Instead of demanding that they mind their words and bind up your wounds, how about thinking about the shared pain and the bigger picture?
I've been an ally since the '60's when I was in fourth grade and stopped saluting the flag and reciting the pledge because I saw how my Black classmates were treated and the words "with liberty and justice for all" tasted bitter in my mouth. Yeah, a little white tomboy in a school uniform and a pixie haircut pulling a Colin Kaepernick back when Brother Colin's dad was just a twinkle in his grandfather's eye. Dropping like a fly? Never have and I hope I never will, by the grace of Jah Most High!
As I read this article, I related it to my own struggle as an autistic person. Allistic folks don't recognize autistic smiles either and think we're dishonest because our micro-expressions are different from theirs. As a result, we're often treated unfairly, under-employed, and have a hard time accessing various resources. So I feel what the author here is saying and I can relate to the rage and pain of an entire people who put up with this stuff daily, for centuries. Once again I am reminded, none of us are free till all of us are free.
Allies recognize that the various marginalized groups must stand together and support each other's struggles. Those of us who suffer because we're queer, or neurodivergent, or war-survivors, or disabled, or religious or cultural minorities, etc, can relate to our Black and Brown relatives and neighbors. We support each other because we all know what it's like to be oppressed. No one group -- Black, Brown, queer, neurodiverse, etc -- has the numbers to make a difference by themselves and by pulling together we can make a difference together.
So let's not get distracted by taking it personally when Black folks talk about the impact of white supremacy. Grow a thicker hide and let it slide as we remember, white supremacy hurts all of us -- except maybe the 1%. In fact, every now and then it even turns around to bite them as well! Ha!
None of us are free till all of us are free. Remember that. All the rest is commentary.
