straight white man for which the system is designed specifically to benefit, how do I not be an asshole? I feel like it’s just impossible for me to wrap my head around most social issues which makes me afraid to discuss anything political at all.
If someone of an affected group shares their experience, listen. Accept that whatever you believe the truth is, this is their truth.
When someone is venting, it is not typically an invitation to share your perspective. If they want your input, trust that they will ask.
If someone accuses you of acting on bias, do not take it as a slight against your character or morals. They are telling you how your actions make them feel, and how they appear to reflect your attitudes, real or not. Take a moment to reflect on your words or actions, judge whether you were basing your behaviour on reality or on preconceived judgements, and then plan your response accordingly.
If you find yourself in a position of power or privilege over others, pay attention to words and actions and do not project your interpretations onto them. Don’t assume someone is angry- ask, and if they say they aren’t, take that in good faith.
Pay attention to people uou may be stealing space, credit, or attention from unintentionally. Make use of phrases like, “X person was cut off, what were you saying?”, “I’m sorry, I just interrupted X”, “I agree with X,” or “X had an excellent point”. Use your position to elevate and make room for others.
First and foremost? You are not All Straight White Men. Do your best not to take statement of broad fact as personal attacks, avoid the temptation to turn the topic to your personal individual guilt or innocence, and if you feel like you can’t handle that, take a break and come back when you can.
That all said- I’ve been a woman, and a girl, and a trans person, and queer, and mentally ill, but I’m still white and physically abled and housed and employed. This is just stuff I’ve been encouraged to do myself, and appreciate when others do it for me. I’m certain others affected by marginalization of race, ability, age, and religion have spoken on this far more eloquently than I can, and I’d encourage you to search their work out too.
turnnoffyourmind
prguitarman
ellievsbear
andulkaphoto
theartofmadeline
areudirty
origamiaround
pixelskylines
snowghoul
