classycoochie:

I attended a workshop last week on Race and Disability. It was great to be in a room with other POC with disabilities and having an open dialogue about our experiences. I was able to snatch the below info that was a handout given to the white allies in a separate room addressing their privilege (as white folks) and oppression (as disabled folks). The page lists Beyond Diversity Resource Center as the author.

I’d like to get some feed back and maybe folks can reblog and add on some things they feel are missing. I understand that as a POC it is not my responsibility to educate folks on this, but I felt this was really valid and I couldn’t find it online, so where white folks are failing to educate themselves, I have no personal problems stepping up and doing this small deed. I also think that while this is directed at white people, there are definitely some points that I felt I could do/ do better. I also think that there are some movements that could really benefit from reading and following this that may not be about race on the surface but are dominated by white people (I’m looking at you feminism).

• Identifies and speaks out about acts of racism.

• Operates with others as a buffer against racism, but does not act condescendingly.
• Recognizes when remaining silent or being neutral operates as racial privilege.
• Is responsible for self-education about privilege, racism, and oppression; does not expect people of color to always teach him or her.
• Cultivates genuine relationships with people of color that are mutually beneficial.
• Is not arrogant about being an ally.
• Struggles continually with understanding and addressing aspects of their own racial privilege.
• Understands that the experiences of people of color regarding racism is genuine.
• Does not require people of color to prove the truth of their racial experiences or injuries.
• Acts in solidarity with people of color without supplanting them.
• Does not expect recognition or gratitude.
• Addresses racism because it is personally offensive.
• Is motivated by a quest for justice, rather than a sense of guilt.
• Is open to challenge.
• Opposes racism without conditions.
• Accepts that making mistakes is part of becoming an effective ally.
• Acknowledges and learns from his or her mistakes without retreating.
• Participants respectfully with persons of color and avoids cultural tourism.
• Responds to racist statements even when a person of color is not present or does not object.
• Is committed to social justice and to ending all forms of oppression.

(Source: quelola, via girl-germs)