Thanks.
A quick test: Does the action we're proposing, the article we're writing, the speech we're planning, actually do anything to move the needle toward justice for all? If so -- great! If not, it's just performative.
I just read about a teacher in SF who called-out Bernie Sanders for dressing for the weather instead of the paparazzi at the inauguration, said he showed privilege. Said her students could see and feel his privilege. Well, maybe they could, with her prompting -- but her privilege is so obvious as to render the whole affair a big farce -- and social media is having a great run with it!
https://www.comicsands.com/oped-bernie-sanders-mittens-privilege-2650256639.html
It would probably be more productive to explore her own biases, and guide the students to exploring their own. They're teenagers, growing into the ability to think in complexity, so they (unlike the 8 year olds) can handle such a task. We all have biases. All are worth exploring, as are one's own biases of sexism, able-ism, and more. Like James Baldwin said, we can't change everything but we can change nothing unless we face up to it. Once we see our own biases, we can challenge and overcome them. This work is essential, because it is these biases -- especially the unconscious ones -- that uphold White supremacy and other forms of oppression. Like Michael Jackson said -- start with the man in the mirror.
On the other hand, spouting facts and figures about incarceration rates, home ownership, and other measures of inequity doesn't work so well either.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S74C-XF9kYY
So what does work?
Skilled dialogue based on honesty and compassion. I see you -- Steve QJ -- are teaching and doing this. Another great anti-racist educator, Dr. David Campt, also writes here on Medium and offers course materials for those of us who would like to become better and more effective allies.
https://www.davidcampt.com/media-kit/
So let's keep our eyes on the prize -- building a just and compassionate society that works for us all. And when we get a turn at the mic, don't let's fritter that away on Smurfs, peanut butter sandwiches, and Uncle Bern's mittens. Instead, let's start with what's at home.
Thanks again for this call to common sense.
