Since colonization, whiteness is the goal. In fact, white people invented race.
They colonized and took our labour (and still do) to create their systems of oppression.
When BLM becamse popular, there were promises of change and a lot of us were hopeful but now white people are accusing and getting angry about not getting jobs because of reverse racism. FYI there is NO SUCH THING as reverse racism.
Does everything have to be about race? Yes, yes it does.
This also goes for "I don't want to talk polotics". LIFE is political ESP if you are a person of colour because our mere existence makes it much more difficult for us to walk outside, drive a car – nevermind get a job.
There is an election happening any day now in the US and women are screaming for their rights (Roe v Wade etc) and rightly so but white feminism is getting in the way. DYK know that when the feminist movement started in the 60’s and 70’s, it was on the BACKS of black women? Who do you think was taking care of their babies and homes while white women were out there fighting?
Yes, white women have LESS than white men but remember that white men are at the top of the hierarchy and white women are a close second. Historically, white men will listen to white women BEFORE they listen to black or brown men.
So while the world is fight the patriarchy, one thing we ALL have to remember is that anti-blackness is at the root of it all.
SaIra Rao one of the authors of White Women; What already know about your own racism and how to do better – talks about how SHE was also raised to be anti-black and she is indian.
Then ADD the patriarchy on top of it and where do black women sit on this hierarchy? The very bottom.
How many WOC do you follow or learn from when it comes to menopause? Not alot, right?
This also comes from medical racism in where black women are historically not believed and perceived “stronger” so they often suffer more and less often, seek help.
Unless you are speaking out, NOTHING will change. As long as you continue to put your own comfort BEFORE humanity, nothing will change.
The entire world is BUILT on racism and remember WE (POC) did NOT create race – white people did!!
I was talking to a friend of mine (Richard) who said that when Africans come to North America, THAT is when they are labelled black.
More and more I am hearing people say and call out the NEED for more representation in the menopause space AND the need to call out micro-aggressions and/or full on racism.
As POC, our discomfort is a very valid reason for ALL OF US to dismantle white supremacy so when you say things like “we are all equal” THIS is what is required but are you willing to do the work?
Remember, I am half white so while I talk about this, I am still learning a LOT. So much so, that I might have gotten some things wrong and that’s ok. It shows that I am trying, am learning and through that, there will be mistakes.
It’s like what I tell my clients all the time. You are only a “failure” if you give up. When you learn what doesn’t work, adjust and keep going.
And this is what I will
Thank you for listening and I would like to remind you that I have 2 amazing announcements!
1. Men-On-Pause - THE Men's ONLY menopause event designed to help educate and support men so they can become better allies to the women in their lives when it comes to menopause and midlife. Details HERE
2. Get on the WAITLIST for the next Flip Flops & Hot Flashes Menopause Retreat HERE.
Thank you for listening.
