19 June 2020

Within the Systemic . . .



On the second day of Me and White Supremacy the lesson is White Fragility--ways we make working against racism all about US.  We draw attention, we cry, deny, demand, forget we're trying to remove obstacles white privilege leaves in the way of people of color.  I'm working through my gut resistance to being called "white."  I think it gets in the way of the work that I want to do. But find it is the work I am called to do.


At last, accepting I am white people,
obscured in a mass of  kin-like persons.
So that's what it feels like—a reduction—
Black people. White.  Established by law.
The distinction between us.  I am
white people and should converse with my own.
Two steps back to go one forward, to move
up to one step back then two forward. I
attempt to see systemic racism.

The Matrix—a Hollywood scifi film—
clarified "systemic."  Appearances
are deceiving.  Programming makes us live
how big powers want us to, and living
outside the systems is no fun. At least
within them, some people live the promise.
Outside them, some people see how they're rigged.
You're either on the bus or off the bus.
Possibilities are bounded by code.

Exceptions prove the rule. Exceptions
are necessary to make exposure seem a lie.
I made it, so you can too. You're just lazy
try harder. You are Black. I am White. Feel
the pigeonholing. Blue eyes or brown eyes?
You'll get your turn tomorrow, if we don't
achieve freedom today. Confusing, yes?
That's how systems work. First, make us believe
that we're different by natural law.

At last, accepting I am white people
I turn to talk with other white people.
See the lies. Hear the fake narratives. We
walk their line. See angry white people who
want ingrained systems to be natural.
Mommy will love them. Daddy likes them best.
Daddy rewards them for a reign of rage.
Terrorism is domestic, programmed
into systems that we must outgrow.



Tomorrow is Juneteenth, now a state holiday.

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© 2020 Susan L. Chast

1 comment:

Sherry Blue Sky said...

I have always felt uncomfortable in my white skin, the skin of the oppresser of people of colour all over the world. I feel happier now that I love in a community which is half indigenous, as they know I am an ally and are friendly to me, which helps ease my burden of a colonial past somewhat. In Canada we are addressing systemic racism in both the police force and the health care system (I have witnessed it in both). I hope this time they put action to words and studies and make some actual changes. Long past time. Your poem is so powerful and says it all so well. Terrorism is domestic. I never could figure out how people could support the orange man, given what comes out of his mouth. This morning, on the news, watching the smiling faces of his supporters, I finally got it - they support him BECAUSE of what comes out of his mouth. What a sick feeling in my stomach when I realized it.