Advice to white people during this momentous time in our history [View all]
Last edited Wed Jul 24, 2024, 01:23 PM - Edit history (2)
I read this thread and thought it well worth sharing here on DU.
Those of us who are white Harris supporters need to be aware of our own potential cultural/racial blinders, and respect the tremendous energy and leadership of the African-American community in this election cycle.
EDIT: The post below gives a fairly innocuous example of a potential blindspot. Did you know about the role of black sororities/fraternities in Harris's campaign? The marching videos that we all enjoy? I didn't. We are being exposed to new stuff. It's interesting.
This is to say, the Harris campaign is an amazing cultural phenomenon. This is a time to for us to observe and learn.
Whites form the dominant support for TFG, so we are not viewed as the most trustworthy allies. We need to earn that trust by supporting the campaign with all our might, and doing the work in our own communities to try to turn the 50% of whites still supporting TFG.
Link to tweet
In the coming months you’ll likely see a great deal of content about VP Harris’ sorority affiliation and the support from its members. We 🩷 it. Some info & tips for us:
Madame VP’s affiliation is Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Use the full name whenever possible. AKA is the appropriate abbreviation if needed. It was founded in 1908 at Howard University.. 1/
AKA is one of 9 Black Greek letter organizations unified under the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC). There are 4 women’s orgs and 5 men’s, the collective often called the Divine Nine. 2/
AKA symbols include ivy and pearls and the colors pink and green. The symbols, gestures, and other insignia of the org are *not ours* to post/wear/etc. Do not use these to represent your support. 3/
Like their Divine Nine counterparts, AKA has hand signs and dance elements seen in step routines and party strolls that are uniquely theirs. You may likely see them in photos and videos. Again, *not ours*. 4/
These are *not* TikTok dances for everyone to learn, not photo poses to be appropriated. Hype them, share them, support the art. Do. Not. Do. Them. And, if you’re lucky enough to be at an event where a Black Greek party stroll breaks out… 5/
Back up, and cheer. Don’t try to join in. This is not a conga line at your cousin’s wedding reception. And, if you need to cross the room, you do not walk through the middle of a party stroll line to get there. Go around. /6
Members of the org do not use the term “sisters” that you may hear white sorority women use. They will call one another “soror.” This is not a synonym for sibling or friend. Don’t try to use it in place of sister or bestie. Members only, among themselves. /7
In greeting or to acknowledge one another in groups, you may hear their call: skee-weee. Sometime just like that, sometimes in a call/response, always high pitched. I know it’s in a popular song but still: No. We’re not gonna have well-meaning white folks trying /8
To use that at rallies to cheer. Or anywhere. Again, not for us. Black Greek culture is wonderful, and the culture is not transferable.
End TED Talk. Thank you for your time. 9/9
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