Comments on: Silence is a Luxury

By: Zachary D Katz

Zachary D Katz — Wed, 09 May 2018 19:07:23 +0000

Morgan- You posed a fascinating question in regards to whites speaking about and with those of color about racism. In class, we spoke about articles written by Sue, looking at the most plausible ways to talk about race in an extremely sensitive environment. It is one that takes practice, persistence and courage. Fortunately, we have learned many strategies in class that will give us the edge up, and I hope we will channel what we have learned to those struggling. I was an avid listener of Macklemore, and I believe his music is truly special and unique. Not many artists have the ability, nor the courage so do what he has done, especially as a white male. I applaud his efforts and hope that others artists will follow, as they have such a powerful voice, one that must be taken advantage of!

By: Sarah Prince

Sarah Prince — Sun, 06 May 2018 22:53:52 +0000

I have never heard of this song by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis and I’m glad to have been exposed to it through this post. In class we discussed the cycle of liberation. Acknowledging on an individual level that being white is a privilege is step to take to start the cycle. Stating that you have privilege doesn’t fix anything unless you use that knowledge to continue to break the socialization but it’s a start. Not having to think about race is part of privilege and usually goes unnoticed by those who are privileged. I think the quote “when it comes to privilege, it doesn’t matter who we really are. What matters is who other people think we are,” Sums up the idea of socialization.

By: Julia Carroll Beatley

Julia Carroll Beatley — Mon, 23 Apr 2018 22:21:14 +0000

I think you’re posing super interesting questions. It can be intimidating to address racism (of others and of ourselves) in front of people of color — definitely, because it’s worrisome to think we’re hurting someone’s feelings, or worse, infringing on someone’s right to feel a certain way. I think this is where dialogue is best employed and where we can benefit from asking questions instead of making assumptions. Additionally, though, we can’t rely on people of color (or any minority group) to sit and explain the multitude of ways that they may face discrimination in even a day. The song you quote notes, “What if I actually read an article, actually had a dialogue/Actually looked at myself, actually got involved?/If I’m aware of my privilege and do nothing at all, I don’t know.” I think that’s where it starts: there are plenty of POC who have written about their lived experiences and have plenty that they want to share; people that have literally dedicated the bulk of their livelihood to educating the masses (the ignorant masses); but the burden can’t be placed on every individual person of color’s shoulders. We need to take the advice that we’re given, make note of the things that are pointed out to us, and just as importantly as making sure we understand the perspective of POC, we need to talk to our white friends and “plant seeds.”
I can’t speak for anyone but myself, but if you fully believe, support and want to advocate for the movement, why wouldn’t you say Black Lives Matter with the rest of crowd?