I recently attended a speech by a Native American who broke down the issue of racializing mascots and cartoon characters. He made an interesting point when he said that many times people think they are honoring a race when in fact it is very offensive to them. After I attended the seminar I came across this article in my news feed and decided to share it. I am able to see a different perspective on society in regards to race and gender and I hope this article gives you some insight as well.
My favorite quote form the article that came from a movie was "You can go back to being white whenever you want." It cuts right to the point of privilege as it pertains to race. One of my best friends is white and I know that although she can hang with black folk without batting an eye, she can go back to her white life and her career whenever she wants. There is freedom and power in that alone. But I also know that every moment that she is opening her mind and learning about our culture she is able to take that back with her and make a difference. It may not seem like much on an individual scale but as long as she understands that there is a struggle we have made progress. She doesn't necessarily have to be there, but she chooses to as a friend and as a compassionate and supportive person she listens when I voice my frustrations without saying a word. There are people who genuinely love the black culture because they know struggle, even if it's no where close to being the same struggle, and like the love that bonds us this is powerful.
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