Identity Groups: The Token Version
This is a warning to all who read: I hope these words make your heart bleed. Know that a man had to cry and then die so you will know what I see. So now I am through crying and finished dying and this is the end of this man rhyming.Recently a White Person approached me with a question I have heard only too often. "Why don't we have a third identity group? I don't identify as White and I don't believe that it is White Peoples' job to stop racism."
I write the following words because I will finally give in and become the token you want me to be. I will answer this question as an individual Person of Color, as an individual Black male, as proof that I have answered this question already.
It is White People's job to stop racism.
People of Color have been making attempts to "teach White People how not to be racist" for over one hundred years, and, as history has shown, it has failed. All we have done is turn other People of Color who aren't aware of the injustices of racism into teachers who don't want to teach. For example, it is not fair that someone will probably take this article and show it to a Person of Color and ask their approval or comments on it.
So let me break down my problem with the "Identity Group question." The fact that a White Person asks me shows they really don't want to actively stop racism.
I know in White ID groups the leaders tell White Folks the ugly truth about White privilege and White supremacy, but you must understand that the leaders of those groups are not there to make White People feel guilty "…because guilt is worth shit, and shit won't help me and it won't help you." Instead of feeling guilty in identity groups, forgive yourself and ask the real fucking question that I want answered: "How are White People going to work with other White People to stop racism?"
Secondly, understand that it is White privilege that allows a White Person to ignore the fact that they are White. I cannot wake up and live in this society and truthfully say I am not a Person of Color. Cabs drive right past me while I try to call them, and that puts me back into my place, back in to my reality. Understand that when a White Person asks me that question, it breaks my heart, because those individuals are still not listening to what the Anti-racism trainers are saying or to what the White Allies are saying. Those people asking this question are trying to impose their White supremacy to be escapist and force me, and others like me, to answer their questions that have already been answered.
White People need to understand that choosing your Race Identity is different than choosing your sexuality or gender. Those things are scientific - Meaning if you are gay you don't choose to be gay. If you feel that you are supposed to be a woman or man then you probably are supposed to be one or the other. If you are neither then you are neither.
Race is totally different because, sadly, being White or a Person of Color (POC) is a societal title given to you. The idea of race is not simply a choice, it is a prerequisite, a rubber stamp of power or of none, of oppressor or of the oppressed. The identity "White" gives White People the privilege to ignore or control these truths.
This brings me to my last rant. My allowing the notion of a third identity group would empower POC in no way. I refuse to lie to a White Person or Person of Color and tell that person they have no role or title in society. If they choose to struggle with their identity that is up to them, but I refuse to have a hand in perpetuating racism to such a gross degree. I've made a commitment to be Anti-Racist; not Non-Racist ergo escapist.
Finally this beautiful token has been eloquently spoken.
I hope my words have opened people's senses, not put up their defenses. Understand that I am no Unitarian Universalist traitor, but rather this is just my plea on paper.
These words have no White Man's forge: This is me being me, this is me being George.
For more information contact youth @ uua.org.
Last updated on Saturday, April 19, 2008.
