African American

Particularly that the AA forum would not be the most appropriate venue for those discussions, and I'll try as best I can to explain why without meandering too much.

Returning to Lila Watson's words that "your liberation is bound up with mine" is what I think is missing in this struggle. To me, white people/allies figuring out what their gain or self-interests are, besides any moral convictions, might be a powerful motivator when dealing with those who are angry and push-back or those who are in denial. I mean certainly all the moral reasonings in the world has done little to affect racism and inequalities.

And thinking in terms of gain may lessen guilt that always arises. I mean certainly all the guilting in the world has had little affect on repairing the mess.

I know what my self-interests are and they have little or no affect on you. But I/PoC can't do the work of determining what it means for white people individually and as a whole to exist in an anti-racist society. I think becoming better allies could start by exploring your self-interests, your skin in the game so that you're not coming to save me. And it could also start on the premise that just about every single social ill can be traced back to white supremacy; from who we wage perpetual wars on to poverty to rape culture/misogyny and the environment. I know the links are there and it would take a little work to find them, strengthen your convictions to help others see that they are us.

I hope that makes some kinda sense