3 ms·
I'm white, and have been in situations where I was singled out and harassed for being white, both in real life and online. I fully understand that I have never
by subjectsigma 6y ago
I'm white, and have been in situations where I was singled out and harassed for being white, both in real life and online. I fully understand that I have never experienced systemic racism because I am part of the racial majority. But it was still hurtful.
What word should I use to describe these experiences if not 'racism'?
(This is anecdotal, but: Every progressive 'anti-racist' who I describe these situations to either quickly changes the subject, calls me 'fragile', or tries to argue that these experiences weren't all that bad. Not a single one, in my experience, will just level with me and say, "Wow, that sucks, I'm sorry someone said that to you." I don't think trying to explain over people how they should feel and dismissing their concerns is a core tenant of anti-racism but it sure feels like it.)
- camgunz 6y agoI don't think you're fragile, and I would never minimize the harassment you experienced. I am sorry any of that happened to you. You're right that it's not systemic racism but, it's still the case that no one deserves that. And I'm also sorry you haven't found sympathy in the anti-racist community. It's pretty easy to be deep in the trenches, snarky, and suspicious, and it seems like you're running into all of that.
- subjectsigma 6y agoThat was a surprisingly kind response. Thank you :)