As usual, I was on Facebook, scrolling down my newsfeed. I have come across a photo of a mid-aged white man in a black shirt that said "Black Lives Matter", kneeling down during the national anthem. Where the guy was seemed like a basketball court at some school. I looked at the comment section and I could see the two clearly divided reactions to the photo.
On the one hand, there were people who appreciated his effort. People said it was nice to see a white man taking part in the cause of the movement.
On the other hand, there were those who did not like how there were people who 'praised' his 'courage.' They argued that we should not praise the white people who are active like the man in the photo, saying "why is it so praiseworthy when a white person does things like that, and cringeworthy and rebellious when black people do the same thing?"
I agree with both sides, and can also see where they are coming from. However, I personally appreciate the effort of the man in the photo. Now, hear me out. I am not trying to praise the bravery of the white man nor am I trying to dismiss the efforts that so many black folks put in the same cause.
I believe that pointing fingers at white folks who are pro-black lives matter is essentially against what Black Lives Matter really stands for. The movement aims to bring an end to the inequity that black people face in the US in terms that their lives are clearly undervalued in America's justice system. It tries to empower black people and tell those who do not understand this logic that we are all equal and deserve to be treated with dignity and respect as much as do white people. To me, white folks who understand the logic of BLM, like the man in the photo, also understand the logic of and accept the reality of white privilege. They know they have more privilege inherent in themselves, just because of the skin complexion they are born with. They understand that it is absolutely unfair for people of color, especially black people in this case, to be treated any differently because their skin color is lighter or darker. Hence, they want to make the most of their inherent privilege to spread justice, because that's the least they could do.
Appreciating the conscious effort should not be seen as equal to praising white people. Appreciating the effort put forth by white folks does not mean that we see ourselves inferior, and that the superior white people have taken the savior role. It just means appreciation. Nothing more or less. What becomes a problem is not a matter of appreciation but a matter of the intention of those white folks who take action. Often times, I see these white people who try to be very active in the cause of BLM and be on the front line with other black activists, trying to preach to the less educated black folks why they should stand up for themselves. They may be genuinely trying to help. But, that sort of action is bred out of a lack of profound consideration as to how best they can help the cause of the movement. When a white person takes up black people's place in black folks' fight, it becomes the fight of white people versus other white people on behalf of black folks, as if these white people are here to spare black people from their adversity. It is almost like these white folks take this patriarchical attitude that speaks to me, "oh darling, I see you are trying so hard. Let me pat you on the back for your effort, and let me help you. Here's how you do it. You are doing so well."
People of color are just as qualified, and capable of helping themselves out, leading the cause and the movement, and educating their own people. They can do it themselves. They don't need white people to tell them what to do and how to do what. What they might need is a little support from white folks who understand the logic of the movement and that of their white privilege.
The man in the photo was just wearing a shirt that told the world that he stands with the Black Lives Matter movement. The man in the photo was kneeling down while the national anthem was being played, because he supports the actions taken by so many athletes such as Colin Kaepernick and Eric Reid. It is a form of silent, peaceful protest to spread the message and to fight racial injustice.
