2018 Women of the World Poetry Slam - FreeQuency "Dear White People"

Summary

This poem, inspired by a Facebook post, addresses 'Dear White People' with a powerful message. It confronts the exhaustion of surviving in a predominantly white society, the constant disregard for black discomfort, and the appropriation of black culture. The poem challenges the notion of colorblindness as a form of racism, criticizes the lack of representation in education, and questions the prioritization of white comfort over racial justice. It calls for an end to racial insensitivity and the recognition of systemic injustices, urging white people to listen to and respect the experiences of black individuals.

Takeaways

• 📝 The poem is a response to a hypothetical letter from Black people to White people, highlighting the struggles and frustrations of living in a society dominated by White privilege.
• 🕯 The author expresses a reluctance to engage in dialogue due to the emotional toll it takes, suggesting that White people's reactions often involve tears and defensiveness.
• 🤬 There is a strong critique of White people making everything about themselves, especially their own discomfort, while ignoring the constant discomfort experienced by Black individuals.
• 🚫 The poem rejects the notion of a colorblind society, arguing that claiming not to see race is a form of racism and a way to avoid acknowledging the Black experience.
• 🙅‍♀️ The author calls out White people for their patronizing behavior, such as touching Black people's hair without permission and making assumptions about their roles or attitudes.
• 👨‍🏫 The educational system is criticized for its failure to teach the full history of Black people, and for expecting the few Black students present to represent or speak for their entire race.
• 🗣️ The poem addresses the issue of White people being more concerned with being called racist than with actually combating racism, and their tendency to listen to non-Black voices on Black experiences.
• ⚖️ The poem points out the disparity in how society views 'justice' when it comes to crimes involving Black and White individuals, especially in the context of police violence.
• ✍️ The use of lowercase 'white people' in the poem is a deliberate choice to symbolize the exhaustion and the devaluation of Black people's experiences.
• 💪 Despite the anger and weariness expressed, the poem ends on a note of resilience and determination, with a call for continued activism and preparation for a future where Black voices are heard and respected.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the poem?

The main theme of the poem is the frustration and anger experienced by Black people in America, particularly in relation to the ignorance and insensitivity of White people towards systemic racism and the Black experience.

Why does the author mention being too busy 'surviving White America' to write letters?

The author uses this phrase to highlight the constant struggle and challenges faced by Black people in a society that is predominantly White and often dismissive of their experiences and struggles.

What does the author mean by 'your whiteness is draining me of too much energy'?

This phrase suggests that the author feels emotionally and mentally exhausted by the constant need to educate and confront White people about racial issues, which is a burden that should not fall on the marginalized group.

Why does the author express anger at being asked to make everything about White people's comfort?

The author is frustrated because Black people are often expected to prioritize the comfort of White people over their own experiences and feelings, which is an unfair expectation that perpetuates racial inequality.

What is the significance of the author's statement 'stop telling me about this colorblind society you allegedly live in'?

This statement criticizes the idea that society is colorblind and that race does not matter. The author argues that pretending not to see race is a form of denial and avoidance of addressing systemic racism.

Why does the author feel that saying 'you don't see race' is racist?

The author believes that claiming not to see race is a form of erasure of Black identity and an attempt to ignore the racial disparities and discrimination that Black people face.

What does the author mean by 'stop capitalizing on our pain'?

The author is accusing White people of benefiting from or exploiting the suffering of Black people, often without acknowledging or addressing the root causes of that pain.

Why does the author express frustration with being asked to represent all Black people?

The author is upset because it is unfair and unrealistic to expect one individual to represent the diverse experiences and opinions of an entire racial group.

What is the author's view on the way White people respond to accusations of racism?

The author believes that White people often prioritize their own feelings and defensiveness over understanding and addressing the racism that Black people experience.

Why does the author mention 'Black on Black crime' in relation to police violence?

The author is pointing out the hypocrisy in using 'Black on Black crime' as an excuse to downplay the outrage over police violence against Black people, highlighting the double standard in how justice is perceived.

What is the message behind the author's statement 'the future belongs to those who prepare for it'?

The author is expressing determination and resilience, suggesting that despite the ongoing struggles, Black people are preparing for and will shape the future in a way that acknowledges and respects their experiences and contributions.