What Do I As A Privileged White Person Have to Say About What’s Going On?

Summary

A privileged white writer reflects on the importance of listening and learning rather than speaking out on racial issues, emphasizing the need for white people to recognize their privilege and amplify Black voices.

Abstract

The article titled "What Do I As a Privileged White Person Have to Say About What’s Going On?" by Rosalind Warren takes a stance on the recent racial incidents involving Amy Cooper and George Floyd. The author expresses a sense of shame for being white and acknowledges the unimportance of her own thoughts in comparison to the Black Lives Matter movement. Instead of contributing to the discourse, she advocates for privileged white individuals to follow the opposite approach of Amy Cooper by remaining silent and attentive to the experiences and voices of Black individuals. Warren suggests that this is a time for learning and self-reflection, urging other white people to join her in this endeavor. She also highlights the work of several Black writers and former President Barack Obama, encouraging readers to engage with their perspectives. Additionally, Warren offers her services as a writing coach and editor to assist others in improving and publishing their work, while also drawing a parallel between the refusal to wear masks during the pandemic and irresponsible behavior in general.

Opinions

The author feels ashamed to be a white woman and a white person due to the actions of Amy Cooper and the killing of George Floyd, respectively.
She believes that as a privileged white writer, her thoughts on the current racial issues are not as important as acknowledging the significance of the Black Lives Matter movement.
The author proposes that instead of speaking, privileged white people should listen to Black voices and learn from them, contrasting this with the behavior of Amy Cooper.
She recommends reading and learning from Black writers such as Lindsi Katheryn, Sharon Hurley Hall, Marley K., and Barack Obama, who have shared their experiences and insights on racism.
The author offers her expertise as a writing coach and editor to help others refine and publish their work, emphasizing the importance of clear and impactful communication.
Warren draws an analogy between people refusing to wear masks during the COVID-19 pandemic and men refusing to wear condoms, framing both as irresponsible behaviors that disregard the well-being of others.

Not a Damn Thing

When the story about Amy Cooper broke it made me ashamed to be a White woman.

When the story about George Floyd broke it made me ashamed to be White at all.

I’m a writer, so naturally, I thought about sharing my thoughts about all of this. Because as a privileged White woman, my thoughts are important, right?

Nope. When it comes to what’s going on in this country right now? Black Lives Matter. My thoughts don’t.

Whenever I get the impulse to share my thoughts about what’s going on, I’m going to do the opposite of what Amy Cooper would do.

I’m going to shut up. And listen.

If you, too, are a privileged White person? (And, let's face it — — the term “privileged White person is redundant.)

I invite you to join me. We’ve got a lot to learn.

Writing Coach and editor-for-hire Roz Warren, who writes for everyone from the Funny Times to the New York Times, can help you improve and publish your work. Drop her a line at [email protected]. (That’s Ros with an “s,” not a “z.”)

What Do I As a Privileged White Person Have to Say About What’s Going On?

Not a Damn Thing

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