She’s a progressive, feminist, white
anti-racist ally. Just ask her, she’ll
tell you all you need to know
plus oh so much more.

She will quote you oppression
narratives, intersectional
theory up, down, sideways,
often from similar breath she
defines the terms on which
sexism, racism, classism
and heterosexism are
structured, critiqued,
and prioritized.

Sniffing your unexamined
privilege like a blood hound
on chase, though never down
wind of her own rancid stench.

On mere suggestion of concern
the firing squads circle…

Forget about “impact”, it’s her
intention that counts! Watch
tone, don’t be angry, “It’s really
hard being a white anti racist ally
what more do you you want?”
Why say it like that, can’t you be
nicer? Don’t be so sensitive, she’s
getting upset! A bit uncomfortable
she may have to cry. Anything but
uncomfortable! So she made wrong
assumptions, it shouldn’t matter
she didn’t MEAN it like that! Why nit
pick when there is REAL racism to
fight against?

Whatever do you mean she “minimizes
the struggle?” Now look what you’ve
done, you’ve made her upset!

How dare you speak in that tone, she is a
white, progressive, feminist, anti-racist
ally! No, she will not defer. What do
you mean that’s the problem? Oh damn,
confused, not sure what to say, so
pretend not to hear…Quick! Time
to run out and cry more white
tears…anything to avoid those
awkward, uncomfortable
issues around race.

AUTHOR NOTES

One of the most valuable and eye opening experiences I’ve ever had, was teaching a first year undergraduate course focusing on twentieth century modern American literature and the theme of oppression and marginalization. Examining how difference, exclusion, and “otherness” has historically been depicted in selected literary work.

One might justifiably think the most challenging task facing the instructor would be in guiding the student who may have never really considered the concepts inherent in a study of feminism, anti racism, heterosexism, and classism.

Oh, no! Not even close. Those students are often a pleasure to teach, as they will usually readily admit ignorance if and when it applies, as well as demonstrate a sincere willingness to learn.

By far the most challenging students are those who come to the discussion heavily laden with theory, but with a noticeable and problematic absence of self awareness and any discernible class analysis. In other words, many of those who come from White Feminism (TM). Because a deep and nuanced understanding of the frameworks behind bigotry, exclusion, racism and bias in our society, cannot occur until we are willing to take a fearless and honest inventory of those things within ourselves.

It’s often said that a little bit of knowledge is a dangerous thing. Toss in significant, unexamined privilege and entitlement, and you have an accurate description of what its detractors are calling White Feminism (TM).

This poem is not an insult. It’s both a description of the problem, and a call for change through acknowledgement of personal, and communal, blind spots.

Being an anti-racist ally is often complicated, challenging, and uncomfortable work. It also comes with a steep learning curve, one that is never ending. But if we actually believe in the humanity and dignity of all people, then it is a vitally important role, and one we will all benefit from adopting.