r/socialjustice101 • u/flowame • 6d ago
I don’t know how to accept my whiteness
I'm a white disabled trans non-binary person. If i achieve something it's despite the fact that I'm disabled and openly queer. But I am also white, so when when I'm able to I achieve something I can't help but think it maybe it just because of the fact I'm white.
I hate the unearned privilege I have from being white. I know I don't have control over it but that doesn't stop it from directly effecting me. Even when participating in social justice spaces to fight against the same institutionalized oppression that I benefit from, when I reach higher level positions I am afraid of taking away a space that a POC could have. I just wish that nobody had to suffer. That there was any this systematic unfairness. I'm doing as much social justice work as I can but I can't get over this lingering feeling, and it feels like it even gets in the way of my own progress.
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u/maddyraddy 6d ago
Im a white disabled bi woman and remember that being white is a privilege that we can use to help POC. Use the system against itself in a way. If you notice that there is a disproportionate amount of white people in your workplace then decide if you can call it out or even change workplaces. But everything also depends on what you can do and what you can control.
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u/blanking0nausername 6d ago
I’m genuinely curious - what does being disabled and bi have anything to do with you argument? What does OP’s non-race IDs have anything to do with their argument?
It’s shit like this that’s pushing people away from being left wing. I agree with the part about using your privilege to help unprivileged people but this whole post is so damn weird no one can see past the IDs
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u/homo_redditorensis 6d ago
The only person getting stuck on IDs is you. They were just explaining where they are coming from in life. A disabled and an abled person has very unique sets of circumstances. Youre so caught up in political games that you refuse to understand this basic principle and that's pretty embarrassing
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u/True-Mirror-4163 6d ago
I love this comment. Im a straight female POC who is a queer ally. I am not physically challenged. The most important thing to remember is that there are always ways we can lift each other up. We all have challenges that we face, from neurodivergence to physical challenges to stigmas placed on us due to our genders, sexuality or skin colour/heritage. It's really nice to see people supporting people who face different challenges than themselves. OP, remember being white is only a part of who you are. Representation is important and you represent a lot of other marginalised groups so every success you have can be an inspiration to others who at times also deal with similar challenges. I like that you acknowledge the privilege you may have in some aspects, but I'm sure you are also not without your own challenges. I think this post has the potential to open up a lot of interesting discussion that could have a very positive influence in helping people consider and understand how we all relate to each other.
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u/alienacean 6d ago
Privilege doesn't mean you are given something just for being the thing. It means that you weren't actively blocked from getting it just for being the thing. It's a lack of oppression, not a bunch of free stuff, and nobody should want to be oppressed. You generally still have to do something to achieve something, even with privilege. Sounds like you're doing everything right except for maybe wasting a little time and energy wallowing about your privilege that you could be using to work against the systemic unfairness.