Using Your White Privilege to Fight Racism: Dos and Don’ts

White people can use their privilege to support the movement for justice, but first, they must unlearn their biases and work to be actively anti-racist. 

If you are a white person who wants to fight racism and support justice for George Floyd, here are a few dos and don’ts to remember.  

Do:

Educate Yourself First

Too often, white people rely on their nonwhite friends to teach them about racism. Instead of asking others to share their experiences or resources, do the work yourself. Read books, watch documentaries, and attend workshops. Or, as Vox writes, “you can literally Google it.” Simply search for guides about how to fight racism as a white person. To get started, check out this ‘Educate Yourself‘ resource from Black Lives Matter.

You have to more than hashtag #BlackOutTuesday – EDUCATE YOURSELF ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/6eStViP6gQ

— Zuby S. (@craniocaudal) June 2, 2020

Donate

White people have benefited from centuries of economic privilege. Put that privilege to work by giving generously to groups that uplift people of color. Try searching social media for your local chapter of Black Lives Matter or Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ). These organizations often use social media to instruct followers about how and where to donate. 

Do Not:

Take the Microphone

While there is a time and place for speaking out, white people should listen and take direction from black leadership, especially during demonstrations. White folks have ample opportunity to share their stories elsewhere; this movement must center the stories, feelings, and knowledge of people of color. 

Make Protests a Spectacle

To prove they are not racist, some white people treat protests as a photo opportunity. Before taking selfies at a protest or sharing posts on social, take a moment to consider your motivations. Will sharing a video of a black person’s death help the cause of justice? Or will you emotionally harm your followers of color by sharing that video, simply to prove you don’t condone its contents? 

As Teaching Tolerance explains, “If your instinct is telling you it’s more comfortable to retreat and reassure yourself that you are not racist, think instead, What actions can I take to help?”.

This list is not meant to be a comprehensive guide. White people have a lot of work to do to fight racial oppression and police violence. To be a true ally, remember to do your homework, check your motivations, and then get to work using your privilege to help protect black lives.