What was voted for!
Peace. Under an open white supremacy, what does "friendship" between you, in your white body, and a Black/Brown or Indigenous person mean?
At any time, you can call 9-1-1 and get said Black/Brown and Indigenous person murdered by police.
Under an open white supremacy, where your white body is seen as "human" by the other white bodies, don't I need you to be with me at a doctor's appointment so that you can remind the other white bodies that I feel pain the same way that they do?
Under an open white supremacy, when I go to a job interview, don't I have to mimick "white behaviors" back to you so that your nervous system is soothed that I am not a "threat" to you?
Under an open white supremacy, don't I have to accept your "advice," which is given as if the United States is a meritocracy and race is not a factor in every aspect of civic life, and debate every issue as if "white" people can see Black/Black and Indigenous people as "human" as valid? I mean, all I have to do is "be nice" and "be kind" to a European American and they will "be nice" and "be kind" to me, right?
European Americans work from the premise that they have to "make" themselves a threat; not that they already ARE an inherent threat under an open white supremacy.
And, this is the power over Black/Brown and Indigenous bodies that was voted for.
In contemporary discussions about race relations, the understanding of "friendship" between different racial groups is deeply affected by systemic structures of white supremacy. While friendships can appear supportive, it is essential to recognize the underlying power dynamics that come into play. For instance, African American, Brown, and Indigenous communities often navigate a world where their existence is questioned, and their safety is compromised. Personal interactions, ranging from doctor appointments to job interviews, can manifest the struggles of proving one's humanity in spaces often dominated by whiteness. It raises the critical question: how can we participate in genuine friendship when the existence of inherent threats looms large? Additionally, exploring community-driven dialogues, individual experiences, and educational resources can provide insights for those looking to create authentic connections that transcend mere surface-level interactions. Candidly acknowledging the roles of privilege and race is vital in fostering a society where everyone feels valued and safe. The complexity of these relationships reflects broader societal issues, and confronting them is necessary for growth and understanding in our collective journey toward equity.
