White Supremacy

WHY WE USE THIS TERM

One of the recurring themes that we face is that many view the words “white supremacy culture" as charged and controversial, sometimes even deeply offensive—and folks doing counter-oppression and anti-racism work are frequently challenged by people (yes, even those in positions of authority) for using this term. "Can’t you use ‘white privilege’? You’re alienating people.”

We must be honest about our history and clear about our context. ~ARE Covenant

The article Characteristics of White Supremacy Culture by Tema Okun informs the intentions and functioning of the ARE Leadership Collective.

It provides additional insight to ARE organizational values and goals, particularly power sharing, individual and group accountability, embracing difference, and collective, consensus-oriented decision making.

ONE POINT OF VIEW

Primarily, because it's used commonly by many prominent writers and speakers on the subject of race and privilege—and one cannot actively pursue this work without coming across it eventually. (aka: feed-forward).

Secondly, because it is very uncomfortable for me to read, write, and say it—on so many different levels—not the least of which has to do with sensitivities around my own national and cultural heritage—so it's my way of directly challenging my own "right to comfort".

Thirdly, because coming from someone who is of the dominant group (in this case, white), it is a very different experience, generally less antagonizing, and a bit more difficult to dismiss, than when it comes from someone who is marginalized (in this case, someone of color)—and it is a way that I exercise my privilege toward laying groundwork for others' voices.

And lastly, because this is the term that I have been asked  to use by people in oppressed communities, both directly and indirectly, because it most accurately and succinctly describes their harsh experience of systemic discrimination. It is one of the ways in which I express my ally-ship.

There is no denying that this is a difficult term. These are difficult subjects to discuss.

—Carolina Krawarik-Graham
    Leadership Collective Member