Two White Female Perspectives on Racism

Updated 7/25/20: Added more resources recommended by Jessica and Kathy

Recently, I had the chance to record a podcast with two friends of mine, Jessica Arnette and Kathy Richardson.

I consider them both to be passionate antiracist advocates, and I was eager to hear them describe their own personal journeys as white females when it comes to things like defining racism, acknowledging privilege, perpetrating microaggressions, being colorblind, and advice for anyone interested in getting involved with antiracist work.

These are some of the highlights of our conversation:

• 12:30 – Jessica describes racism as a spectrum where one can be antiracist one day and racist the next.
• 18:00 – Kathy suggests the term “racial bias” as an alternative to “racist” and discusses unexamined conditioning.
• 23:00 – Kathy describes how her family’s struggles and hard work don’t negate her white privilege.
• 25:30 – This is the video I referred to (from 6/24/20) describing household wealth between white and black Americans.
• 26:45 – Jessica shares personal examples of her own white privilege.
• 33:30 – Kathy says that you will inevitably get things wrong when pursuing racial justice but the risks are worth it.
• 35:30 – Jessica suggests that people should not only listen to antiracist feedback, they should believe others.
• 39:00 – Kathy shares several personal examples involving microagressions.
• 47:30 – Jessica and Kathy counter the colorblind mentality by saying it overlooks the differences in lived experiences.
• 51:15 – Jessica and Kathy describe antiracism as active opposition against racism and refer to Ibram X. Kendi.
• 55:00 – Jessica and Kathy share what gives them hope and encouragement at the moment in their own antiracist journeys.
• 68:00 – Jessica and Kathy share tangible ideas for anyone new or curious to the antiracist journey.

I was so grateful for the chance to chat with the two of them, and I hope you’ll enjoy listening to their thoughts and perspectives as much as I did. If you give it a listen, I’d love to know what you think.

Also, farther below are links to quite a few resources that they both shared with me after our conversation. There’s no shortage for ideas whether you’re someone who likes podcasts, books, or someone new to follow on social media.

Podcasts & Websites:

• The Nod
• While Black
• Snap Judgement
• Be the Bridge
• Seeing White
• Shame and Accountability
• Where Do We Go from Here
• Project Implicit

Books & Authors:

• Ibram X. Kendi – This is the antiracist author referenced by Jessica and Kathy
• How to Be an Antiracist
• Antiracist Baby
• I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness – This is the book referenced several times by Jessica and Kathy
• Black and White
• So You Want to Talk About Race
• Raising White Kids
• The Color of Compromise

Social Media Accounts:

• @austinchanning – Austin Channing Brown – This is the author of the book referenced several times by Jessica and Kathy
• @loswhit – Carolos Whittaker
• @nicolewalters – Nicole Walters
• @lisasharonharper – Lisa Sharon Harper
• @shaunking – Shaun King
• @eji-org – Equal Justice Initiative founded by Bryan Stevenson
• @latashamorrison – Tasha Morrison
• @ibramxk – Ibram X. Kendi – This is the antiracist author referenced by Jessica and Kathy
• @Rachel.Cargle – Rachel Cargle
• @ijeomaoluo – Ijeoma Oluo
• @dorenawilliamson – Dorena Williamson
• @leeallenjenkins – Lee Allen Jenkins
• @ohhappydani – Danielle Coke
• @berniceaking – Bernice King
• @samcollier – Sam Collier
• @theconsciouskid – The Conscious Kid