As the veil began lifting, I started to see that award shows are an integral cog in a misogynistic media machine driven by capitalism. And it started to make me sick. When I was young and an aspiring actress all I wanted was to have my work honored at an awards show one day. This fairy...
Tag: privilege
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When White Latinxs Cry Erasure
The conversation about erasure in the Latinx community cannot be centered on white Latinx voices. By Mariana Viera Latina magazine recently published an article titled “Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Question My Latina Culture.” The piece details the frustrations of Alexis, a U.S. born-Latina woman who feels that her light skin robs her of Latinx authenticity...
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Things We Shouldn’t Forget When We Talk About OJ Simpson
Black men like OJ Simpson, Bill Cosby, and R. Kelly are able to navigate a society that demonizes the color of their skin and achieve some sense of the American Dream. By Rachael Edwards Last week, it was announced that OJ Simpson will be released on parole on Oct. 1 after his hearing. He has served...
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Tinashe Doesn’t Understand How Colorism Works
Tinashe is misinterpreting what colorism actually means and how the power dynamics are in favor of light-skin Black women. In an interview for The Guardian, Pop-R&B singer, Tinashe discusses her career and various issues that she is grappling with, including growing up biracial (her father is from Zimbabwe and her mother is Danish). The 24-year-old...
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How to Stop Being Ignorant of Your White Privilege
You’re not a bad person for having white privilege. However, you do need to accept that this unequal system unfairly benefits you. [Content Note: Racism] Are you white? If you answered yes, this lesson is for you. This is Part 3 in a series I like to call, “How to Be Less of a Jerk:...
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White Tragedy is Not the Burden for Black Feminists
When Melania Trump has been slut shamed and defamed in the media, there has been an explicit and implied expectation for a black feminist movement to back her and defend her from this particular form of misogyny, similar to the ways we’ve shown up for Michelle Obama. But nah, that labor is not meant for...
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How to Be Less of a Jerk 101: Admitting Racism
by Kristance Harlow [Content Warning: Racism] Just because someone doesn’t want to be racist doesn’t mean they aren’t. Contributing to white supremacy is racism. Supporting racists is racism. Excusing racism is racism. Not holding racists accountable is racism. Racism is a system of oppression that permeates all levels of society and shows itself in invisible...
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Being Less of a Jerk 101: A Crash Course on What to Do When You’re Called Out on -Isms
by Kristance Harlow [Content warning: Discussions of racism, sexism and rape] Hey, white folks, stop getting offended when someone calls you racist. Instead, try this: shut up, listen and learn. Welcome to the crash course that is here to teach you how to be less of a jerk when you’re called racist. Impact is different...
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The Layers of Privilege Within My Oppression
“When are you gonna get some Black friends?” The question from my mother was routine and well-intentioned, but it bothered me. I had tried. In those middle-school days, there was a group of Black kids (who I simply referred to as “the girls”) who made it their daily ritual to harass and bully me. “Look...
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6 Ways to Teach Kids About Privilege
Affluenza: it might not be a medical disease, but it certainly runs rampant. Look no further than the current election cycle, with all its gaffes and backpedaling. An activist parent’s challenge is to change things for the next generation, to create a passion for closing the privilege gap. Despite what we might think, parents have...