Yes, I said it. You need white friends. White colleagues will work too, but you need real, authentic relationships with white people. No, your black friend who you claim “acts white” doesn’t count, and that is also offensive. Before everyone jumps under my skin, let me explain.
The majority of my life, the only white people that I interacted with were in some pre-established state of power; principals, teachers, doctors, police officers, store managers, etc. These experiences led me to believe that white people were all smart and powerful with amazing lives. Which, sorry to pop everyone’s bubble, is NOT a fact. There are a bunch of stupid, non-powerful, lazy, poor, and boring white people. There are also a lot of basic ass white people. It wasn’t until I started meeting regular white people, having conversations and building relationships with them, that I realized that I didn’t need to work twice as hard for half of what “they” had. Most of “them” don’t even have shit. Then the ones who do, have a shit load of other issues that you won’t see in the media or learn unless you know them personally.
Since making white friends, I’ve developed a new sense of confidence about myself and my place in society as a black woman. I’m not saying go out there and just meet white people because these posts say so. I’m just expanding my personal and professional network to include my white peers, has opened doors for me and allowed me to grow as a person internally and externally. I’m proud to say that I have an extremely diverse network when it comes to race, gender, orientation, culture, religion, and much more. Expanding my network has allowed me to experience and live life with a better understanding of people’s experiences, and they have gained a better understanding of mine. Through this, we have exchanged a variety of opportunities that helps everyone grow and become better members of society.
So go make some white friends, and if they are worthy, invite them to the damn cookout.
by Georgie-Ann Geton © All rights reserved