Breaking White Silence

Summary

The article "Breaking White Silence" discusses the cultural shift among white individuals who are increasingly speaking out against racism and injustice, challenging the long-standing norm of white silence, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Black Lives Matter movement, and the 2020 election season.

Abstract

In the midst of multiple societal upheavals, the article highlights a significant change in white American culture: the breaking of silence on issues of race and racism. It emphasizes that white people are beginning to use their voices to support racial justice, whether by sharing educational content or considering the impact of their votes on marginalized communities. The piece traces the origin of white silence to deep-rooted cultural norms, where silence has historically been equated with neutrality or even opposition to injustice. However, the article argues that this silence is a form of complicity that maintains white supremacy by preserving the status quo. The author encourages white individuals to continue speaking out despite potential backlash, as dismantling systemic inequalities is essential for progress. The article concludes by reminding readers that while the option to remain silent exists, it perpetuates a cycle of violence and oppression against people of color, who do not have the privilege of choosing silence.

Opinions

White silence is a cultural norm in America that has perpetuated the status quo and white supremacy by allowing those with power to avoid taking a stance against injustice.
The act of remaining silent on issues of racial injustice is not a neutral act but one that supports the continuation of systemic racism.
White people are encouraged to break their silence and speak out against racism, despite the potential for discomfort, anger, and defensiveness from other white people.
The societal expectation to be silent on race is so ingrained that children are taught from a young age to avoid discussing race in public, unless it is during sanctioned times like MLK Day, and even then, in a way that maintains comfort.
The article suggests that breaking white silence is a necessary step in dismantling hierarchies that benefit white people and that it requires preparation to face criticism and resistance.
It is noted that people of color do not have the luxury of choosing silence and must constantly face the violence of systemic oppression, which white people have the privilege to opt out of by remaining silent.
The author asserts that while it may be challenging to speak out against racism, it is a worthwhile endeavor that contributes to meaningful social change.

Breaking White Silence

White Protester in Washington D.C., Jun 9, 2020. Photography Credit: Johnny Silvercloud

One of the things I’m seeing happen in the current climate of COVID + BLM + election season is a lot of white people breaking their silence on issues of race and racism for the first time on social media.

Maybe you’re sharing an article on race you found helpful, or expressing a desire to consider the most marginalized in the voting booth…either way, you’ve broken the norm of white silence.

White silence has been a long-standing, white cultural norm that is firmly embedded in American society. I actually saw an interesting historical example of this yesterday when someone was discussing an early American theologian who “didn’t ever comment on slavery so we don’t know what he really believed about it.”

In that statement we see the idea that one can remain silent on an issue of injustice, and still be considered opposed to it. This is a belief silence is acceptable; not a showing of complicity or an experience of violence for those suffering under the injustice.

Where Does White Silence Originate

This norm of white silence is so rooted in our culture that we socialize our children from a very young age by shushing them if they are to ever commit the faux pas of pointing out a person’s race or color in public, and only bringing up the topic of race at publicly sanctioned times such as on MLK Day, and then only in a way that celebrates the parts of the past that make us most comfortable. White America prefers its Black heroes to be buried lest we have to deal with the complicated and nuanced nature of their message instead of rewriting it in a way where we are clearly on their side, because they are on ours.

The purpose of white silence is the maintenance of the status quo, which in this case means a maintenance of white supremacy. If those with power who could change things will remain silent, then the white equilibrium of comfort and psychic freedom is supported and sustained.

Break White Silence

It will be hard and have no doubt there will be consequences. Dismantling hierarchies that benefit white people will not go over well with other white people. Eschewing norms makes people uncomfortable, angry, and defensive. You are shaking the walls of what is easier for them to believe than having to deal with being complicit or at fault in the oppression of others.

Prepare for that reality. Prepare with how you may respond to criticism, snark, or belittling. Be ready to say, “I’m not sure how to answer you, but I know I’m focused on listening to the voices of those most marginalized, and if you’d like to join me in that, I’d happily share what I’ve found helpful.”

Remember you have the option to fade back into silence and complicity. That’s an option many take. It’s not an option most BIPOC have. They don’t get to just dissolve into the comfort and protection of whiteness, but rather face the continual onslaught of its violence. Decide which side of that reality you want to find yourself on, gear up, and do what needs done.

I promise it’s worth it.

Originally published at https://bethebridge.com on August 22, 2020.