1)
If you don’t know
What you’re talking about
Stop pretending you do.
You don’t have the authority
To speak for us
You don’t know what we’ve been through
Second hand knowledge
Superficial research
Doesn’t make you an expert
On our culture.
2)
If you’re curious
Then ask us,
the true experts
Who lived through actual experiences
Don’t try to learn from books
Written by the ruling class
Institutionalized propaganda
Isn’t the truth.
3)
If you’re an artist
A writer, painter, movie director
You have an obligation
To tell the truth!
Don’t be lazy and assume
When you don’t have a clue.
I’m tired of reading books
Watching movies
that pretend accuracy
while spreading misinformation
and stereotypes
I’m tired of “learning”
about non-white cultures
from white people’s perspective.
Stop “championing” our causes
it won’t relieve ancestral guilt.
I’m tired of movies that feature
a “white savior” who rescues:
Native Americans,
African Americans
Asian-Americans
and even Aliens from outer space!
Star Wars I’m talking to you.
Memoirs of a Geisha I’m talking to you.
Dances with Wolves I’m talking to you.
The Hunger Games I’m talking to you.
Daughters of the Dragon I’m talking to you.
The Last Samurai I’m talking to you.
The Help I’m talking to you.
The Fifth Element I’m talking to you.
Avatar I’m talking to you.
Hmmm, maybe it would be easier to list the films that authenticity represent the struggle of people of color without a “white savior”.
Roots, Malcolm X, The Color Purple and Joy Luck Club are the only ones I can think of from Hollywood.
If you really care about injustice
Step aside
Move away from the mic
Step out of the limelight you hoarded
with privilege
Let the people of color stand up and rise
With pride to tell our true stories.
Don’t cash in on our struggle
Pretending you’re an insider.
Don’t be a “Rachel Dolezal” fraud
Robin DiAngelo I’m talking to you.
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