Please educate me on this. Since the “BLM”, I try to learn about racism as much as I can. I came across a strong post by @kjg.brks with saying “All White People Are Racist”. I have been reading not only the message, but also the reactions to them. I am not educated enough to comment on their message. However, I initially felt uncomfortable because the majority of people who support what I do are white. The message contradicted within my understanding because the white people I know are very caring, understanding, and respectful. If they are all racist, this account woundn’t exist. I respect them & I thank “you” for finding & supporting me (regardless of the race).
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At the same time, 99% of (painful) criticism of me seem to come from white people. In fact, no others attacked me but white people. The white people who despise me seem to have similar keywords. “Freedom of choice”, “Development in culture” and “He is Overreacting”. They often claim they “know” Japanese culture as well. Am I too twisted to read their criticism as, [I am enjoying your culture & words. You are destroying our joy by sharing ‘your’ point of view. Shut up and be okay with the change/development we make]? Are they oppressing the tradition which is not theirs…? I accept decent criticism, but I speak up to protect my culture from the suppression.
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If a criticism comes from white supremacy, how can I deliver the message to them? They only listen to what they want to listen to. (I am uncomfotable with “white supremacy”, so let me know a better word to use in this case, if there is). I am a “privileged Japanese”, so I need to unlearn a lot in Japanese. In English, I guess I need to speak up even louder so they can unlearn? I don’t know. Thank you for your time to educate me
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I say, “Do not worry about Cultural Appropriation too much if you care to respect the culture (because we all appropriate a culture in different ways)”. The same principle may apply to racism. We may be all racist in a structure – the difference is just whether we realize it, and whether we can imagine the pain on the other side.
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新年一発目の長文です。なぜ長いかはまた配信で話します……今年も大変な一年になりそうだなぁ（遠い目）。
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2021-01-06 09:51:36
My perspective as a white person is that some privileged people feel they are able to speak up so you may see their comments more frequently. Some white people are racists, but they may or may not know that they are. Some are more open to learning a new culture or perspective, and some are not. It is difficult to change a persons mind (in the case of white supremacy), but sharing your perspective on your page can help them to see their point of view is not the only perspective. I enjoy your page and artistic and cultural perspective. Please continue sharing!
Beautiful and heartfelt. In recent months I have embraced the sensation of being uncomfortable when confronted and try to use is it an opportunity to learn. None of us are finished, complete individuals… a thought that is quite exciting. Thank you for helping me on my learning journey.
The comment itself is racist. I look white but I have ancestors who were not… How can you put someone in a box like that… Black and White thinking limit our connection
I try to respect all beings . Online, I don’t know what shade or cultural differences exist. If someone is kind,I am kind. If someone is unkind I say what I say as respectfully as possible. My name gives no clue of who I am or my culture, and neither does my skin shade although, it has been assumed. I go by how people treat me and try to send out loving kindness. That is far better than superficial things. We are actually souls in a body not bodies with souls. In my opinion. I love your informative and beautiful photos and information and thank you for teaching me about your culture.
I think the “all white people are racist” post did a really bad job at broaching a very delicate and important subject. Everyone needs to learn about inherent bias and how white supremacy culture may be ingrained in them despite working towards anti racism – but instead of addressing the topic in a constructive way it was done so in a way that would instantly make people defensive and therefor loses the opportunity to be an educational experience.
I always appreciate your curious enquiries in such topics. Thank you for sharing your art and words with the world
I guess it is part of the Japanese culture to not offend, and when you see the negative comments I think a part if you wants to smooth it out, create an understanding. But as you now realize, it is impossible to create understanding with those who do not wish to understand.
It’s ok. Just celebrate your culture. Enjoy sharing it. Enjoy the process of Sashiki. Ultimately, It is a personal journey. Those who want to share and appreciate with you will do so.
I’ve been reading through the comments on this post and I think there’s a lot to take in and think about. Hopefully that doesn’t overwhelm you. I’m not sure I have much more to add as some f the comments have done a great job and offered to be resources for you. I just say Take it at your own pace. I think the willingness to have a discussion and listen are the first steps. Be an ally. I think it’s so important we listen to one another’s experiences and feelings as no one has the exact same background as another. Listen to people who have different backgrounds than yourself and respect their culture as well as they should respect and listen to you. Fight for those that cannot or will not be heard. I think it’s a great step forward that you are admitting you have things left to learn and things to unlearn. I believe this is true of every person on earth but not everyone can admit or take the steps necessary to go on that journey.
Respeto y fraternidad😊💕
Please read “Me and White Supremacy” by Layla F. Saad.
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Well said.
I think it’s important to understand that there’s a difference between somebody consciously and knowingly being racist and unconsciously being racist. It’s also important to note that racism takes /many/ different forms.
So, yes. All white people are racist (at least all Western white people are) myself included. It doesn’t mean that we are all consciously and intentionally racist or that we’re all racist in big ways. It means that we grew up in a society that signals to us that we are “better” or “more deserving” than POC and we internalize those things, sometimes in very small ways.
While sweeping generalizations like “all white people are racist” are important for exactly the reason it caused you to react, it’s also important to follow up that statement with more nuance and teaching and understanding.
It’s only once we’re able to identify and recognize the racist tendencies in ourselves and in other that we love and support that we’re able to begin working to combat them.
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