biases – mayah's site

Issues that plague communities of color* really affect the nation as a whole. While issues negatively affect communities of color, white communities are benefiting from these practices (known as the concept of white privilege). I believe that with white privilege comes white ignorance, about issues that affect other people. In addition to this, it is a popular belief that you have to be affected by these issues to stand up against them. This is not true. There are ways that white people can help communities of color and I want to talk about them.

Get rid of the white savior complex– Yes I know communities of color have their own struggles that white Americans do not have to face. But that does not make us less than you. All that means is that we need more resources to help ourselves. Which is natural, because after hundreds of years of not having access to resources, there will be a need for more. If you choose to help communities of color, you have to remember that you’re not saving them, you’re just helping them do what they were already doing. All too often the white savior complex is displayed in media- the one white person enters a community and fixes everything. This is not true. My dad always says “We don’t need saviors, we need servants.” You have to be willing to help the cause, but just know you’re ONLY helping.
Make friends- Because of segregation, it can be easy to only have friends that look just like you. This is not coming to help people. You need to make friends with people to understand what is truly going on. Friends talk about things that matter. There is a complex that many white people have that if something is different, the other person is required to explain it. This is not true. Being friends with someone means that you respect them, their ideas and their culture. If you are truly friends with someone, you will understand how they were raised and what things make them them. Remember to just keep an open mind. People of color are people too, and deserve to be respected.
Get involved (in your local community!)– Believe it or not, there are issues in the community you live in! Just because you’re not affected by them in a negative way doesn’t mean they don’t exist! Going to Haiti to help children is helpful, but it is not going to fix the problems that are going on in your local “ghetto”**.
Research and fact check!!!– What you read on the internet may or may not be true. Fact check. Look across multiple sources and figure out what is the same. And look across good sources, like scholarly papers. Talk to professors and other people. Figure out if what you’re reading is true. Be open to being wrong and understand that the way you view society may not be the way it is for other people. Be open.

Last but not least, leave your biases at the door! What you think you know about us is false!

These are just a few tips that I believe will help change the world. But please understand that by helping communities of color you are embarking on a mission that will change your life for the better. We need helpers and can always use your help!

*As a black woman, I cannot speak on other communities of color. I just understand what goes on in my community and that these issues affect other communities of color.

**ghetto- according to Merriam Webster Dictionary a ghetto is: a quarter of a city in which members of a minority group live especially because of social, legal, or economic pressure.

I just wanted to take this time to remember that you need love too. You are to give love and receive love. But you cannot expect someone to love you the way you desire to be loved. That is unrealistic, because everyone is a different person. Everyone’s self-expression, loves, likes, dislikes and abilities are unique. Accept everyone for who they really are. All love starts from self-love. You have to decide that you are worth loving. You are, I believe you are, but you need to know that. Another thing, accept others. Lately a big conversation between my younger sister and I has been about the LGBTQ community, and the difficulties they (unrightfully face). In my opinion, sexuality is just a part of who you are. It’s how you’re born. You are born, and eventually you find your likes, dislikes, and sexuality. It’s human nature and no one should be judged for it. I’m saying all of this to say, that love is love. No matter the form, the color, the size, or looks, love is love. When you love yourself you love the parts of you that are special, unique or different. This is how you should love someone else to, love them for them. This means that you are nonjudgemental towards others. You are in NO position to judge someone. You don’t know their story. Be kind. Be caring. Be loving. You don’t know what some kinds words will do to a person who’s upset. This means that you accept all positive people into your life. (Remember, you should surround yourself with those who are positive and good for you). Judging someone for something that makes them them is crazy. It is not acceptable. I understand that some say that those in the LGBTQ community are wrong, but to say that they are wrong for being who they are is wrong. Love everyone. It’s time for you to release the biases you have against others. Different isn’t bad; different is just different. Change is inevitable, and everyone you meet will not be like you (because in fact there is only one you). You just have to learn that accepting yourself and others will make you happy, and give you the peace you deserve. Everyone deserves love, true love, genuine love. Stay happy.