White People Whitesplain Whitesplaining

I’ve been on the receiving end of mansplaining, so I have some understanding of the general dynamic, if not the specifics. Honestly, this is one of my big concerns in researching and talking about diversity. I am happy to be a translator for as much understanding as I have to those who have not come to that point. But this is no way a license to steal the voices of those who experience racism every day.

It’s true that members of an oppressed group are not under any obligation to educate their oppressors. It can be awful on so many levels when someone turns to you and expects you to be the voice of [whatever] group. Yet not being given the opportunity to explain in your own words, and having well meaning members of the privileged group try and do that for you… Wow. A toxic concoction to swallow, indeed.

Seems that in order to tackle issues of racism, one needs a combination of awareness, social skills, and a willingness to stand up. Perhaps more importantly, we need to know when to shut up. Lack of listening is, after all, part of what got us here in the first place.