Week Two — White Privilege and White Supremacy Culture

Summary:

This week we take a hard look at whiteness — our unearned privileges, our unconscious bias, and the institutional racism that exists in a culture dominated by white supremacy.

In addition to our shorter readings and an ongoing listen to our friends at the “Seeing White” podcast series, our materials include an introduction to four Black authors whose works are great companions on this journey and which help to set additional context to the conversation on white supremacy culture.

We read an excerpt from Ta-Nehisi Coates’ book, “Between the World and Me,” watch an interview with Layla Saad, author of “Me and White Supremacy,” and a lecture from Dr. Carol Anderson, author of “White Rage,” and have optional bonus content that features a video conversation with Ibram Kendi, author of “How to Be a Anti-Racist.”

READ:

White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack by Peggy McIntosh

What is White Privilege, Really? by Cory Collins for Teaching Tolerance Magazine

Uncomfortable Truths of Whiteness by Heather Mizeur for Medium

The Subtle Linguistics of Polite White Supremacy by Yawo Brown for Medium

An excerpt of “Between the World and Me” book by Ta-Nehisi Coates for The Atlantic

LISTEN:

“Seeing White” Podcast series by Scene On Radio —

S2E10: Citizen Thind (The story of a bargain with white supremacy and the history of how SCOTUS decides to define “White” in a 1920 ruling)

S2E13: White Affirmative Action

WATCH:

BONUS CONTENT:

Which rung do you occupy on the ladder of empowerment for white people? Track your progress as you travel through various stages of awareness in your relationship to racism.  From White Racist to White Anti-Racist: The Life-Long Journey by Tema Okun for DismantlingRacism organization and also this piece that helps define White Supremacy Culture 

A Primer on White Supremacy Systems & Institutions.  “What is White Supremacy” by Elizabeth ‘Betita’ Martinez for Catalyst Project

WATCH:  Ibram X. Kendi — “How to Be an Anti-Racist” conversation at the Aspen Ideas Festival (54 minutes)