Being a white female and recognizing I am a person of privilege, it is unfair to say that I could identify with the students in the article "Family Life and School Experience: Factors in the Racial Identity Development of Black Youth in White Communities" by Beverly Tatum. It further helps me recognize the struggles of my peers and classmates as they maneuver through their lives, the struggles of race, oppression and transition. I grew up in a predominately white community until the age of 14 when I moved to three high schools in three years and in more diverse area. Any area of struggle for me during those years was more about being uncomfortable in new environments than being racially oppressed. It would be erroneous of me to connect those dots as being equal or near the same.
I would hope I am at a place in my life to be in the immersion/emersion stage and also working toward autonomy. Trying to make others aware has been an agenda for me the past few years. As I become more aware of oppression and race, I want others to acknowledge the existence. I can say this fully embracing that I am white and I have many privileges due to my skin color. Although I am grateful, I am also fully aware that gender, class, and color all play a role in each of our lives.
Choosing to do the Tim Wise film was, for me, an integral part of my journey in life and in this class. I long to draw attention to this issue and making others aware. Knowing the Tim Wise video brought continued awareness to me, I felt it was a way that I, being a white female, could have an impact on others. It seemed to be the best way for my voice to be heard. In a sense, I feel, as a white person of privilege, I can in some way be Tim Wise, whether it is sharing his passion or finding my own podium to address this from. I long for the day when I can see people of color stand up and share in the same way, having the same impact as Tim Wise.
Greta,
ReplyDeleteSimilar to you, I felt that my voice could best be used for the film screening of Tim Wise's lecture on White Privilege. I loved working with you and hearing your passion for changing the world by changing the perspective and awareness of those around you. It is always encouraging to find another ally, we have to stick together! Change spreads quicker that way. Be encouraged and keep doing what you're doing! I'm proud of the work that you are doing. You are a force to be reckoned with, Greta. I also love that picture you posted!