Want to understand the depths of racial bias, systemic oppression, and the vital importance of intersectionality in the fight for equality? Ready to explore how the model minority myth harms Asian Americans and perpetuates white supremacy? Interested in learning how you can turn difficult conversations about race into transformative actions for social justice? Ready to journey through the personal experiences of a Black woman navigating the complexities of racism, privilege, and resistance?

So You Want to Talk About Race

As a Black woman, race has always been central to Ijeoma Oluo's life, shaping everyday experiences and interactions. From childhood questions about her dark skin compared to her white mother, to facing discrimination in jobs and social settings, her race has been an indelible part of her identity. While these experiences can be painful and exhausting, race has also been a source of profound joy and community for her.

Oluo has marveled at Black history, celebrated to jazz and rap, enjoyed cookouts, and found comfort in the words of literary giants like Toni Morrison and Maya Angelou. These cultural touchstones have provided a sense of belonging and pride, even as she navigated a world often hostile to her existence.

Despite working harder and bending over backwards to be seen as non-threatening, Oluo eventually reached a breaking point. She could no longer laugh off racist jokes or accept inequitable treatment. She began to speak out, questioning and resisting the status quo. Her blog, initially about food, transformed into a platform for discussing race and her personal frustrations. This shift alienated some long-time friends but also connected her with a broader community of people who felt similarly unheard and marginalized.

The rise of social media and online platforms allowed voices of color to share their truths, drawing attention to systemic injustices. White allies began to listen and engage, realizing that racism in America was more entrenched and pervasive than they had understood.

Conversations about race are challenging but essential. Many people, regardless of race, struggle with how to talk about it effectively. Whether it's addressing racist jokes from a family member or understanding complex concepts like intersectionality, people are eager for guidance but afraid of making mistakes.

This journey of understanding race has brought Oluo to the realization that racism isn't just about individual acts of prejudice. It's a systemic issue deeply embedded in American society, affecting everything from job opportunities to housing and education. Shifting our focus from changing individual hearts and minds to dismantling these systemic structures is crucial for meaningful progress.

Can Conversations about Race Foster a More Equitable Society?

When Oluo's white mother gave birth to her in conservative Denton, Texas, she faced a lot of racial scrutiny. Despite her unconditional love for their blackness, they had their first deep conversation about race when Oluo was thirty-four, well into her career in social justice. Growing up, their talks were mostly about everyday things; only occasionally would she give necessary warnings about the challenges they'd face due to their race.

The real turning point came in 2015 when Oluo's mother left her a voicemail saying she had an "epiphany" about race. Oluo was hesitant to engage, but she insisted. She recounted an incident at work where a black coworker challenged her understanding of being black, which initially angered her. However, she realized his reaction was based on his lived experiences with racism. This led them into a difficult but necessary conversation about race, privilege, and identity.

Their discussion was awkward and emotionally charged, but it was transformative. Oluo's mother began to understand that her optimism about their potential was clouded by her inability to see the daily hurdles they faced due to her whiteness. This conversation marked a shift in her approach to race; she moved from trying to prove her "downness" to actively challenging her white peers to do better. She became an outspoken advocate for racial equality.

This experience made Oluo realize the importance of such conversations, no matter how uncomfortable. These dialogues are crucial for addressing systemic racism and fostering understanding. Avoiding them only perpetuates ignorance and inequity. Everyone, especially white people, needs to talk about race, not just with people of color, but within their own communities. This helps dismantle racism in spaces people of color can't reach.

Privilege is a significant aspect of these conversations. It’s not just about personal benefits but about the systemic advantages some have over others. Recognizing privilege involves understanding how one’s advantages contribute to the oppression of others. It’s uncomfortable but necessary for making real change.

Oluo's own journey with privilege was highlighted during a community picnic with other people of color in Seattle. When a group of black men, who didn’t fit the “hipster” mold of their group, approached them, there was an awkward silence. It struck Oluo that their community wasn’t as inclusive as they thought. They had unconsciously created a space for people who shared their specific privileges, excluding those who didn’t fit their mold. This realization made her reassess her understanding of community and inclusivity.

To truly address social justice, all must check their privileges. This means acknowledging the advantages one has and using them to advocate for those who don’t share them. It’s about creating a fairer, more equitable society. These conversations and self-reflections are challenging but essential for progress. If Oluo and her mom could navigate this difficult terrain, so can others.

Race, Privilege, and Uncomfortable Conversations: A Personal Journey Towards Social Justice

One day, over dinner, Oluo found herself in a bind, using her kids as an excuse to rush upstairs and block a torrent of Twitter trolls. The truth? Her kids were fine. Oluo needed to fend off an online mob accusing her of hating black men. 

It all began when she criticized a black musician with a notorious past involving young black women. Her comments were sincere, rooted in her deep concern for black women, but they triggered a backlash from Hotep Twitter, a group known for their extreme views on black masculinity and Egyptian mythology.

The mob saw Oluo's anger as betrayal, labeling her a traitor to her race. Thousands tried to drown her Twitter feed in hatred, forcing her to block them to protect her online presence—a vital part of her career as a black woman writer in a predominantly white industry.

This experience underscored the importance of intersectionality—a concept she learned in college but which has since become a lifeline. Intersectionality, coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw, insists that social justice movements must consider all aspects of a person's identity—race, gender, class, and more—to be truly effective. Without it, efforts to fight oppression often overlook and even harm the most vulnerable among us.

For black women like Oluo, intersectionality isn't just theory; it's survival. Their struggles often go unrecognized, even within the very movements that claim to fight for justice. White women may cheer Oluo's calls against patriarchy but balk when she brings up race. Black men applaud her anti-racism work but turn on her when she demands respect for black women.

The need for intersectionality extends beyond activism. It should inform government, education, and social systems to ensure they serve everyone justly. Intersectionality challenges us to examine our privileges and consider the diverse needs within our movements. It's not the easy path, but it's the only one that leads to true equality and justice.

In the end, Oluo's plea is simple: recognize our intersecting identities and fight for all of us. Because without intersectionality, we risk becoming the oppressors we set out to defeat.

Can Intersectionality Be the Key to True Equality and Justice?

Walking into her first-grade class with a pencil and folder, Oluo faced the hallway's dark and foreboding emptiness, a place that set her apart from her peers. She was joined by another boy, and together they sat at tiny desks under the supervision of a cheerful, yet resented, teacher’s aide. This was Oluo's life as a seven-year-old, navigating through a new school in a neighborhood they moved to after financial struggles forced them out of their old home.

Oluo's mom, a student herself, believed education was their escape from poverty. She relentlessly advocated for Oluo, ensuring she received the nurturing she needed to flourish academically. But Oluo's brother, Aham, wasn’t so fortunate. Misunderstood and labeled as trouble, he faced the harshness of a biased educational system. He was called "homeless" by his peers because a teacher imposed a cruel “rent” system in the classroom, devastating his self-esteem.

As they moved from one neighborhood to another, Oluo's academic record followed her, marking her as "different" from other black kids, while Aham's reputation as "trouble" haunted him. Oluo thrived in early college courses; Aham, however, dropped out of high school, battling daily panic attacks. Music saved him, earning him a scholarship to a music school.

Oluo later juggled single motherhood, entry-level jobs, and college, striving for a degree that seemed like her only way out. Despite being the lone black person in her classes and facing constant financial strain, she graduated in 2007. Her career journey was marred by discrimination and harassment, but she persevered, working harder than ever to prove her worth.

In the tech industry, Oluo's promotions were questioned, and her achievements attributed to her race rather than her hard work. Her late-night efforts and highest stats were overshadowed by the belief that she was an "affirmative action" hire. The environment was hostile, but she kept pushing forward. Her colleague Terrence, despite his dedication, was deceived by promises of a raise that never materialized, highlighting the systemic exploitation faced by people of color.

Eventually, Oluo left for a more progressive company, only to find that racial biases and microaggressions persisted. Her writing became a refuge, a way to voice the struggles and triumphs of people like her. Although breaking into the publishing world brought new opportunities, it was a constant hustle to make ends meet.

Affirmative action, often misunderstood and criticized, plays a crucial role in addressing systemic racism and ensuring diversity. It’s not perfect, but it’s a necessary tool to combat the deep-seated biases that disadvantage people of color in education and employment. The arguments against it—claiming it’s no longer needed, that it’s unfair to white men, or that it doesn’t work—ignore the persistent racial and gender disparities that data clearly show.

The school-to-prison pipeline is another critical issue, where black and brown children are disproportionately disciplined, leading to higher suspension, expulsion, and arrest rates. This systemic bias criminalizes our youth, stripping them of their childhood and funneling them into the criminal justice system.

Educators' racial biases, zero-tolerance policies, and increased police presence in schools contribute to this pipeline, often leaving black and brown children feeling alienated and disenfranchised. To address this, we need to have open conversations about racial inequality, advocate for inclusive education, and challenge the stereotypes that criminalize our youth.

We must recognize the achievements of black and brown children, normalize their experiences, and demand a school system that truly supports all students. By doing so, we can prevent the loss of childhood joy and ensure that every child, regardless of race, has the opportunity to thrive.

From Poverty to Progress: A Personal Journey Through Systemic Racism and Education

When Oluo was eleven, she and her brother Aham stayed with their mom’s friend Liz in Goldbar, a picturesque mountain town. It was a thrilling escape from their dreary apartment, and they spent their days climbing rocks and building forts. 

One day, they walked Liz’s kids, Nick and Amy, to the school bus. As the bus approached, a kid shouted, “Look, niggers!” Others joined in, laughing and pointing. Nick and Amy, their supposed friends, did nothing but laugh along. Aham and Oluo were stunned and hurt.

The next day, they refused to walk the kids to the bus. Liz, confused and angry, accused them of being spoiled. They couldn’t explain the hateful words that had been thrown at them. For the rest of the week, they were trapped in Liz’s house, fearing the world outside and enduring Liz’s cold scrutiny. When their mom picked them up, they chose not to tell her about the racism they faced, not wanting to burden her.

Words have power; they carry history and pain. The word “nigger” is steeped in a legacy of hate and violence. It’s not just a word; it’s a reminder of centuries of oppression. The impacts of such words are still felt today, shaping the lives and experiences of people of color. While some words can be reclaimed within a community, their use by those outside that community continues to perpetuate oppression.

On another occasion, during a busy travel week, Oluo found an “Africa Lounge” in an airport. Excited for authentic African food, she was disheartened to find it was just an American restaurant with African-themed decor. This is cultural appropriation—taking elements of a culture without understanding or respecting its significance, often benefiting the dominant culture while demeaning the marginalized one.

Cultural appropriation is not about enjoying other cultures but about the power imbalance that allows one culture to exploit another. For instance, white rappers can achieve mainstream success and profit, while the black artists who created the genre face ongoing struggles and lesser recognition.

Even in the workplace, Oluo's personal space has been invaded because of her hair. After years of using chemicals to straighten her hair to fit societal norms, she embraced her natural curls. Yet, at her new job, her boss’s boss publicly scrutinized her hair, reducing it to a topic of curiosity and judgment.

Hair touching is a microaggression many black people face. It stems from a lack of respect for personal space and autonomy, rooted in a history where black bodies were treated as property. Even well-meaning curiosity can reinforce the notion that black people’s bodies are not their own.

Respecting someone’s personal space, including their hair, is about recognizing their humanity and autonomy. If you’re curious about black hair, seek to understand its cultural significance and the systemic biases against it. But always, always, ask for permission and respect the answer you receive.

Is Cultural Appropriation and Microaggression Perpetuating Racial Discrimination?

In middle school, a girl named Jennifer, who was the epitome of '90s cool with her stylish bob and red lipstick, told Oluo that she would look like a clown in red lipstick. Her words stung Oluo and echoed many other microaggressions she faced. 

Comments about her "poufy" hair or comparisons to hip-hop lyrics about big butts were daily reminders that she didn't fit in. Even in advanced classes, a peer dismissed her college ambitions, assuming her race would secure admission without effort. These microaggressions weren’t meant to hurt but they piled up, leaving deep emotional scars.

Years later, at a scholarship conference for students of color, Oluo saw kids just like her, unburdened by the constant scrutiny she faced in school. For two days, she felt normal—no comments on her hair, voice, or intelligence. It was a revelation for her to experience life without the daily microaggressions that had weighed her down.

Microaggressions are like the hypercritical parent in movies, delivering constant, small stings that erode self-worth. They’re not overtly hostile but cumulative, causing significant psychological damage. Studies show they lead to anxiety, depression, and a feeling of isolation. These subtle yet pervasive comments and actions remind people of color that they are "less than," normalizing racism and reinforcing systemic oppression.

Addressing microaggressions is challenging because they're often subtle and easily dismissed. Strategies like directly stating the offense, asking uncomfortable questions, and reinforcing that good intentions aren’t the point can help. For those witnessing or committing microaggressions, it’s crucial to recognize the harm, reflect on motives, and apologize sincerely.

At home, Oluo's son faced his own struggles with systemic pressure. He decided to stop saying the Pledge of Allegiance, citing his atheism and the nation's failure to uphold "liberty and justice for all." His courage reminded Oluo of the strength needed to navigate a world that often dismisses or penalizes dissent.

Like many from her generation, Oluo grew up believing hard work would overcome racial barriers, inspired by promises of progress. Yet, despite individual achievements, systemic racism persisted, manifesting in mass incarceration, economic disparity, and police violence. Her children, inheriting this legacy, are fighting back with unprecedented fervor, challenging not just racial injustice but intersecting oppressions across gender, sexuality, and ability.

Oluo believes her role is to support this new generation, providing a foundation they can build upon and eventually transform. It’s her job to step back, trust their vision, and ensure she doesn’t hinder their progress. Watching them fight for a more just and inclusive world is both humbling and inspiring for her, a testament to the enduring spirit of resistance and hope.

Navigating Microaggressions: A Personal Journey towards Racial Justice and Hope

Oluo grew up in deep poverty, the kind where the electricity often got cut off and dinners came from soup kitchens. She and her friends, mostly other poor kids of diverse backgrounds, found solace in their shared struggles. They never judged each other for having mustard sandwiches for lunch or wearing clothes from Goodwill. They were just kids, united in their common experiences.

As an adult, Oluo realized many of her friends were Asian Americans from countries like Guam, the Philippines, and Vietnam. They didn't fit the "model minority" stereotype of academic and financial success associated with East Asians like Chinese or Japanese Americans. Instead, their families were refugees, fleeing conflict and discrimination, struggling just like hers. Yet, when Oluo began advocating for racial equality, she often overlooked them.

The model minority myth is harmful. Coined in 1966 by sociologist William Peterson, it stereotypes Asian Americans as academically successful, financially stable, and socially compliant. This myth hides the struggles of many within the Asian American community, particularly those from Southeast Asia or the Pacific Islands, and creates undue pressure on youth to meet unrealistic standards.

Asian Americans, though perceived as successful, face significant disparities. For instance, while some groups like Filipino Americans have low poverty rates, others like Cambodian and Hmong Americans have rates as high as 28%. Educationally, there's a vast gap too—46% of second-generation Cambodian and Laotian Americans have only a high school degree or less, compared to just 6% of second-generation Chinese Americans.

Moreover, Asian Americans are underrepresented in leadership roles despite their educational achievements. They make up a small fraction of Fortune 500 CEOs and corporate officers. Hate crimes against Asian Americans, especially post-9/11, have often targeted South Asians due to cultural ignorance and misplaced Islamophobia. Asian American women face higher rates of domestic abuse and mental health issues but receive little attention or support.

The model minority myth also pits Asian Americans against other racial minorities, perpetuating a divide-and-conquer strategy that benefits White Supremacy. This myth suggests that if Asian Americans can succeed, other minorities should too, ignoring systemic barriers and historical context.

Fighting racism means addressing the model minority myth. It requires recognizing the diverse experiences within the Asian American community and ensuring their voices are included in social justice efforts. We must challenge stereotypes and support all racial minorities in their unique struggles against oppression.

In the fight for racial justice, we can't afford to tone-police or demand politeness from those expressing their pain and anger. Systemic racism has inflicted lifelong harm, and conversations about it will naturally be charged with emotion. Prioritizing the comfort of the privileged over the grievances of the oppressed is counterproductive. Instead, we must build a tolerance for discomfort and focus on the core issue: dismantling systemic racism.

Whether you align more with Martin Luther King Jr.'s peaceful approach or Malcolm X's more militant stance, the goal remains the same—freedom from oppression. True allies must support this fight unconditionally, recognizing that justice and equality are non-negotiable rights for all.

Is the 'Model Minority' Myth Perpetuating Inequality Amongst Asian Americans?

When George W. Bush named Kanye West's accusation of racism as one of the lowest points of his presidency, it seemed unbelievable. Here was a leader who had dealt with wars and economic crises, yet being called a racist struck a deep, personal chord. This reaction, as odd as it seemed, isn’t unique to him. Many white people find being called racist to be one of the worst things imaginable, often reacting with anger and defensiveness.

Take Oluo's own experience on Twitter. After sharing an article about racism in the US, a white Canadian insisted there was no racism in Canada. Despite evidence and testimonies to the contrary, his denial turned into harassment when he felt accused of racism. This defensive rage isn't rare. People of color often fear retaliation when they speak out about racism, facing everything from job loss to community ostracism.

So, why should we continue to talk about racism despite the risks and emotional toll? Because not addressing it allows systemic racism to persist. For white readers, Oluo  calls for introspection. If you’ve been called racist, you might want to dismiss it. But instead, use the moment to reflect and improve. Your goal should be to genuinely become a better person, not just to appear as one.

Consider the story of a theater director who, during a dinner meant to discuss inclusivity, repeatedly used the N-word, causing discomfort and pain. When called out, he insisted that more conversation, not training, was needed. This is a prime example of how some believe that talking is the solution to racism. While conversation is important, it must lead to action.

Words are powerful, but they are just the beginning. For real change, we need action. Voting in local elections, supporting POC-owned businesses, demanding police reform, and financially supporting organizations fighting racial oppression are tangible steps we can take. Small actions add up, and persistent effort can lead to significant change.

For instance, activists in Seattle successfully halted a $160 million police precinct project, redirecting funds to low-income housing. This victory was achieved through persistent public pressure and advocacy. Such stories remind us that while the fight against racism is daunting, it isn't insurmountable. By combining talk with action, we can dismantle the oppressive systems piece by piece. Let's commit to doing better, together.

From Denial to Action: Confronting Racism Beyond Words

As a Black woman, Oluo has always been conscious of her race, dealing with discrimination, prejudice, and bias. She has learned to appreciate and celebrate her race, finding joy in Black history, culture, and community. 

Oluo has used her experiences to speak out against racism, turning her personal blog into a platform for discussing racial issues. She believes it's important to understand that racism isn't just about individual acts of prejudice, but a systemic issue deeply embedded in society. 

She asserts that conversations about race are challenging but vital. The focus needs to shift from changing individual attitudes to dismantling systemic structures of racism. Recognizing privilege and understanding how it contributes to the oppression of others is an uncomfortable but necessary step towards change, according to Oluo. 

The concept of intersectionality is critical to her, as it insists on considering all aspects of a person's identity in social justice movements. Without it, Oluo believes efforts to fight oppression often overlook the most vulnerable among us. 

Education, in Oluo's view, plays a vital role in combating systemic racism. Affirmative action, although often misunderstood, is crucial in ensuring diversity and addressing racial bias. The school-to-prison pipeline, a systemic bias that disproportionately affects black and brown children, needs to be addressed and dismantled, she argues. 

Microaggressions, while often subtle, cause significant psychological damage and reinforce systemic oppression. Addressing these requires recognizing the harm, reflecting on motives, and offering sincere apologies, Oluo suggests. 

Oluo also discusses the model minority myth, which stereotypes Asian Americans as successful and compliant. She finds it harmful and believes it hides the struggles of many within the Asian American community. It's essential to recognize the diverse experiences within this community and include their voices in social justice efforts, she says. 

In the fight for racial justice, Oluo contends that prioritizing the comfort of the privileged over the grievances of the oppressed is counterproductive. Instead, she advocates for building tolerance for discomfort and focusing on dismantling systemic racism. 

When called out for racist behavior, Oluo advises reflecting and striving to become a better person, rather than simply appearing as one. It's not enough to talk about racism; action must be taken. Supporting POC-owned businesses, voting in local elections, demanding police reform, and financially supporting organizations fighting racial oppression are tangible steps towards change, she proposes. 

Oluo believes the fight against racism is daunting but not insurmountable. By combining talk with action, she argues systemic oppressive systems can be dismantled piece by piece. This is a commitment she asserts we must make, together.

Home

Trending Books

News & Mags

Relax

Curated

Collections

Key Ideas & Notes

Insights

Highlights & Bookmarks

Listening History