One White Guys Perspective on Black History Month
By Tom O’Rourke
January 2023 Article #5 – 2023
Not that I think it is hard to write about this subject, it is not, but what I know for sure is that I don’t know the subject matter. I have no idea what it is like being black in America today…and if you are a white person reading this, neither do you. Oh, some of you think you do, from conversations that you have had with African Americans, even those that you have a great relationship with…but you don’t know.
That is where I would like to start, and probably end, this post. If you don’t know something about a certain subject, I think you should do two things. First, I think you should be very careful in what you say, probably less is better. The second and most important is to educate yourself. Let me save you some time, the education you should be seeking is not in the library.
If the truth be told, most of us spend most of our time with people that look like us, have political and religious beliefs like us, have about the same spending habits that we have, and maybe the same education levels. I’m guilty. When we do this, I think there is some sort of a bubble formed, and in that bubble are biases. Biases can often be dangerous things.
The subject that I try to educate myself on is Empathy. Empathy I think can be developed. Empathy is understanding how others feel and being compassionate toward them. Of course, I don’t know what it is like to be black in America today, but I can try to educate myself every chance that I get and then empathize.
You can find may things written about how to empathize with people. I have taken some of these, but I have tried to focus on those that speak to white people trying to empathize with being a black person.
- Get the heck out of your comfort zone. You need to stretch yourself in who you talk to casually, eat lunch with or whatever. Your discussions need to go beyond the weather. Get real.
- Follow people on your social media sites that do not look like you. This will give insight that you may not have had before.
- Focus on similarities NOT just differences. (There are many.)
- It’s funny how everywhere you turn there are mentoring programs. Young people in our profession seek out people to help them professionally. I am sure you have contacts with people that are black. Develop a trusting relationship with them and ask questions. THEN LISTEN.
- Don’t Judge, because again, you just don’t know.
When talking about ethical situations I always mention that you should take the New York Times Test. That is, would you be okay with whatever it is you write or say if it was the headline news of the New York Times. I have a new one…The Wu Tang Clan Test. (I know I am showing my age.) I have noticed how easy it is for a small group of white people to feel comfortable talking negatively about African Americans. I’ve heard the N-Word flying, I’ve heard slurs, I have heard it all. What is important is what you do when you hear this. You MUST speak up. You can’t let this go. Usually, the other who did not make the slur will be happy that you did. In life you only get a few times to speak up and let people know who you really are. This is one of those times. It leads me to the Wu Tang Clan Test. Would you say derogatory statements about black people if the All the members of the Wu Tang Clan were sitting there with you? Probably not.
This Black History month, and really EVERY month, join me in celebrating the many accomplishment that black people have made and continue to make in our lives.