[Beatrice C clarke]

after reading the material about white privilege and oppression and looking at the video I was not surprised at the findings that were discovered. As a black straight Christian woman, I am instantly ridiculed just based on my religion alone. I’m called an “extremist “because of my religious reviews, I’m always stereotyped for being a dark-skinned black woman no matter how “well-behaved” I am or how nice I show people I can be. and I will explain how I faced my version of a glass ceiling. I was interviewed over the phone for a position in Buffalo New York a few years ago, the woman was so thrilled when we spoke over the phone because of my well-spoken vernacular and was readily and happy about meeting me. However, when I went to the company where I was assured, I would get the job, she took one look at me and said, “Oh I’m sorry we are not hiring” This was before I got the chance to speak.   after she heard me, she recognized I was that young woman she was ready to hire but I believed I didn’t represent what she wanted in her company, so I was shown the door. Yes, I was hurt but more hurt because of how she denied me all on race and not my ability. when she authored this article back in 1986, it was an apparent and genuine issue that was happening in silence with women of color and women in general. It was the reason the very sound of your name determined your approval or disapproval, and it still happens today why? because most white people do have the advantage because of their race. most have always had their lives laid out for them in a way that was easier, less complex, or don’t have a clue about many other races and their struggles due to their color/race, unless they grew up beside or with poor people who happened to be black or another minority. and even in that situation of being poor, they still have had or had more privileges than all black people combined all because of their skin color. We have made some strides, and this generation is trying to break this “race curse” However systemically it’s a stretch, a long one. There needs to be a shift because we have passed a change. It is time to have a monsoon shift politically and locally and all I will say is if you are a person with privilege try to help those who may not have the opportunity you may have. become aware of their struggles write letters, and protest if necessary but if you want to be the change you seek it does involve YOU!! Let’s stand together as women and see what can happen and put race and hatred to the side then maybe we can tear down patriarchy once we all use our privilege to unite and create that ripple effect to make room for the monsoon we desperately need

 

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