People of color, especially Black Americans, are left with no alternative but to fight racism continually. Most white people could be getting involved in racial activism for their first time. Since many white folks could be actively engaging with racism trauma or violent encounters for the first time, they could feel overwhelmed. Being overwhelmed indicates growth and acquired knowledge about the social ill.
If you have some experience fighting racism and failed to take action against the vice, this is your chance to consolidate your devotion. You can now speak against all wrong acts committed against people of color. To remain resilient to all the activism efforts, you also need to take care of yourself.
If you have recently started getting involved in the racism struggle, you can use this opportunity to establish your stamina. Even when the spotlight is taken off from this subject, you will have the strength to carry on this work.
Table of Contents
Stay Humble
It is crucial to acknowledge that the struggle for racial justice has been in existence for centuries. There are still many things about this pursuit that remains unknown to many people. According to a licensed therapist, Barbara Herring, people of color could have doubts regarding the actions and plans of white people in the protesting crowd.
Barbara Herring realizes that this could be upsetting to white people. She acknowledges that people of color could have such doubts due to the many years of betrayal from purported white friends. Barbara Herring cites the skepticism of people of color and links it to such times. Nonetheless, it is good to acknowledge that white people getting on board to end racism is progress in itself.
White people could also opt to listen to the people of color, contemplate their views, and acquire knowledge of the lessons. Barbara Herring believes that if the real conviction is the reason for this movement, then that conviction will develop by way of criticism.
Accept the Discomfort
Embracing discomfort without guilt or becoming defensive could see racial activism rise to another level. It could imply having challenging discussions regarding the subject with white counterparts. This could also see people of color take the lead in protests. You could always consult experts from various platforms, including Talkspace.
This could help you determine how to play your role in eliminating white supremacy. Talkspace has a user-friendly online platform that can assist you in coping with discomfort and guilt.
Learn from Your Mistakes
The truth is that everyone makes mistakes, and it is crucial to remember that political actions demand lifelong devotion. Every person has privileges that make them insensitive to the challenges of other people—learning to acknowledge your mistake assists in ensuring that racial activism is a movement.
It is a process that will run through for an extended period. You will develop stamina during your struggles and learn how to take constructive criticism.
The Takeaway
Mental health professionals and Talkspace experts agree that it is crucial to remember that white supremacy should be handled as a fight for humanity and not as a favor to anyone. It is something that people of color owe because of the material perks acquired by white people through the exploitation of the latter. Racial justice efforts should be in line with your values. There is no spiritual or ethical advantage gained from subjecting others to unfair treatment.