Getting Ready for the Holidays

A major holiday is almost upon us, so it's time to practice interrupting racism and other forms of oppression when you hear or see them. I saw this thread on Twitter today and thought it was worth sharing. It's addressed to white people in particular and is from Rio Slade.

White folks,

As the holidays near and some of you find yourself with racists, it's worth remembering a few things:

1). All racism is violence
2). A lot of racists would swear that they're not (prejudiced) even after saying racist things
3). Many don't believe they benefit from racism and don't see their power
4). A lot of people think racism is the KKK and not their "quiet" Otherizing of folks

An easy way to bring it to their attention is to say, "hmm. That was racist." Some who don't want to be seen as racist will feel extremely awkward and not know how to respond.

Regardless of how they respond, though, remember that it's our job to be anti-racist. This may involve awkward conversations with family, expressing zero tolerance, and education.

If you think it's difficult for you, a white member of your family to talk to other white members of your family, then you should understand that it's even harder for those seen as outsiders.

You're probably better equipped to call it out. You don't want to cultivate a safe space for racists, so don't.

I see a lot of quiet (or relatively quiet) otherizing of folks in all branches of my family, and some louder and more obvious forms as well. Honestly, it's harder to call this stuff out than the things I hear from strangers in public places, since there's no relationship to fear damaging with those strangers.

But Rio Slade says it well: remaining silent cultivates a safe space for racists. And remember, as Gene Demby of NPR's Code Switch podcast has said: your younger relatives are listening, and while you may not change the racist's mind, you show the children that the racist behavior is not acceptable.