White Guilt

So, white guilt.

I think that for white people it's unusual and uncomfortable to be lumped together with other white people as a group, and to be pre-judged accordingly. White people are used to being seen as individuals and not having to represent their race, or to be pre-judged because of it.

So, for example, after it was discovered that, in fact, Middle-Easterners were not responsible for the Oklahoma City bombing, but that two white men were, there was no heightened screening of white men for terrorist tendencies. White men weren't stopped disproportionately in airports, or questioned more closely for renting trucks. In fact, even as I write this it sounds ridiculous.

On the other hand, in the wake of 9-11, there has been heightened suspicion and screenings of Muslims and people who look like they might be from the Middle East.

So, discussions about race have a double-discomfort: 1. Being lumped in with people you're not used to being lumped in with and 2. Being lumped in with them for doing bad things to another group of people. And voila: the dreaded WHITE GUILT.

Is white guilt a good thing? I think: yes and no. First the no part - white guilt doesn't really accomplish much. Mostly, white people want to avoid it, which makes sense - it's unpleasant - and avoiding leads to things like denying the reality of racism. Guilt by itself doesn't really change the situation.

So why do I say yes, too? Because I think white guilt is the beginning step to accepting responsibility. Now, do I as a white person go around trying to oppress people of color by saying insensitive things or by taking away jobs, or trying to give their children substandard educations? No, of course not. I'm not personally responsible.

But on the other hand, I personally benefit from the structures set up in society. Some examples: the way of speaking and writing I grew up with is the "correct" way of doing it. I don't have to learn a different way to be considered a professional at work. My family benefited from housing programs that weren't available to people of color. This allowed us to build wealth that made it possible for me to get a first-rate suburban-school education. And, if I need to call the police, I know they'll listen to me.

So here is the conundrum: I'm not actively supporting racist structures, and yet I still benefit from them.

The best way out of the guilt is to say "Yes, that's how it is, and I do have a responsibility," and to start working to change the system. Guilt may not be the best motivator, but if it is transformed into an acceptance of responsibility, then it will have served its purpose.