Recently, my daughter brought home an intriguing flyer from school promoting a 1920s-themed auction and dance. As I delved into the details, my eldest daughter interjected, “Mom, you shouldn’t go to that.” Curious about her reasoning, I asked, and she replied, “Because that picture is cultural appropriation.” She was referring to a clip art flapper girl adorned with feathers. Puzzled, I prompted her to elaborate, and she explained, “The feathers.” Sure enough, the flapper’s style showcased a glitzy forehead band embellished with feathers.
I took the opportunity to explain that the flapper girl didn’t represent cultural appropriation — a concept we had recently discussed during a Kansas City Chiefs game where fans donned feathered headdresses and engaged in a tomahawk chant. I felt proud that my daughter was learning about essential contemporary racial terms, which could help us have meaningful discussions.
As a white parent with black children, our diverse family dynamic has provided us with numerous opportunities to engage in conversations about race. We often draw attention, whether from curious glances or direct inquiries about our multiracial family. I’ve encountered everything from strangers claiming to be colorblind to well-meaning individuals questioning my daughters about their cornrows with a wide-eyed, “How long did that take? I could never sit still for hours!”
I am grateful for the vocabulary we now have at our disposal, allowing us to articulate our feelings and engage more effectively with others who approach us. This knowledge isn’t just beneficial for our family; it serves everyone. The more that adults and children alike understand and embrace these terms, the better equipped we all are to address race. After all, staying silent about race has yielded little progress.
White Privilege
Let’s address this upfront: if you’re white, you possess white privilege. White privilege is defined as the “societal advantage that comes with being viewed as the norm in America” and includes “a set of unearned assets that a white person can rely on daily, often without awareness.” I can share countless examples of white privilege from my own life. For instance, I can walk through a store with a reusable bag, shopping freely without anyone questioning my intentions. My children, however, do not enjoy the same luxury. Their skin color often subjects them to unwarranted suspicion.
Colorblindness
It’s crucial to clarify that the notion of racial colorblindness is a myth. While I acknowledge that some individuals may have a medical condition that affects their perception of color, claiming not to see race does not make one immune to racism or promote racial equality. Ignoring my children’s race equates to denying an integral part of their identity. When one insists we’re all the same or that only the “human race” matters, it doesn’t indicate a non-racist stance; it reveals a lack of understanding.
The Race Card
This term often surfaces when people of color address racism, with some white individuals dismissively accusing them of “playing the race card.” This term suggests that a person of color is exploiting their race for personal gain. I have faced this backlash when I’ve pointed out racist behavior. Here’s the reality: racism is deeply embedded in our society, and just because someone has not personally encountered it doesn’t invalidate the experiences of others.
Microaggressions
Microaggressions refer to those seemingly innocuous comments or actions that reveal biases against marginalized groups. These remarks occur frequently and can be damaging. A common microaggression my children face involves white women attempting to touch their hair, claiming curiosity, while they feel entitled to do so due to their privilege. Other examples include mispronouncing ethnic names or assuming a black individual excels in sports or an Asian person in academics.
White Fragility
Discussing racial injustice can provoke discomfort among white individuals, forcing them to confront their privilege. When faced with this discomfort, some may react defensively, diverting the focus onto their feelings rather than the issues at hand. For instance, if a black person expresses frustration over police violence, a white person might respond with “all lives matter,” deflecting attention away from the systemic issues that need addressing.
Cultural Appropriation vs. Cultural Appreciation
Cultural appropriation occurs when elements from one culture are taken by another, often without understanding or respect. An example includes a celebrity using cornrows for publicity without acknowledging their significance in black culture. Conversely, cultural appreciation involves respectfully engaging with and supporting another culture without profiting from it. For instance, instead of purchasing mass-produced items, one might choose to buy art from an Indigenous artist.
By familiarizing ourselves with these race-related terms, we can enhance our discussions about race within our families, schools, and communities. As Maya Angelou wisely stated, knowing better enables us to do better.
For more insights on navigating discussions about race at home, check out this post and explore resources like Make A Mom’s guide on artificial insemination. Additionally, the Mayo Clinic offers excellent information about pregnancy and related topics.
Summary
Understanding and using essential race terms can significantly enhance conversations about race, benefiting not only individuals from diverse backgrounds but society as a whole. By fostering awareness and dialogue, we can work towards a more inclusive and informed community.
Keyphrase: Essential Race Terms
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