Kaz ([identity profile] kazaera.livejournal.com) wrote in [personal profile] sami 2009-03-20 10:36 am (UTC)

A good way to think about it, I think, is that when it comes to specific minority issues members of the minority group are automatically experts in a way non-minority members aren't (and in some ways *can't be*). If you are talking about racism, yes, listen to PoC over white people because the PoC have the personal experience, have been dealing with this stuff and learning about it the hard way since the day they were born and white people just can't match that. Which isn't to say that you as a member of the majority absolutely cannot disagree with what a minority group member they're saying, just that you should thinking long and hard about it and recognise that you're the one with the least experience and who is most likely not to see a lot of these issues.

It's also worth mentioning that it's a lot easier to shut up minority group members than majority, so even if you think you are giving equal attention to all sides it's very easy to create an environment where minority members don't feel safe or where their opinions go unheard (I kind of wish I could stamp this on the forehead of some of the people involved in Racefail.)

Post a comment in response:

(will be screened)
(will be screened if not validated)
If you don't have an account you can create one now.
HTML doesn't work in the subject.
More info about formatting

If you are unable to use this captcha for any reason, please contact us by email at support@dreamwidth.org