[Steps to Equality] [A few thoughts on actively fighting racism]
Smashing Racism and Classism
As with gender, societal inequalities regarding race/ethnicity reproduce themselves in the dynamics of the group despite our best intentions. White people and people from middle upper-class backgrounds use similar behaviors to dominate meetings as the male behaviors described earlier:
* People from dominant groups have self-images of competence, rationality, responsibility and superiority that they do not associate with race, class, or culture. They do not understand other's cultural perspectives and cannot understand why people of color and people from working class backgrounds are alienated.
* People from oppressed groups are always aware of the dominant reality, as well as their own reality, having lived in a society where a white middle-upper class lifestyle is the TV-broadcasted "norm." The dirty laundry of the dominant groups is obvious even when invisible to the dominant groups; hypocrisy and contradictions are well apparent.
We tell ourselves that whatever our class, gender, or ethnic limitations, we are doing something that needs to be done. It never occurs to us that instead of wondering, "why aren't they involved?"' we need to ask, "just what are we involved in?" ... [emphasis added]
...In contrast [to the 60s] much of the organizing in the 1980s and 90s on issues of the environment, peace, and disarmament lacked.vibrancy. These efforts, made up mostly of people from the middle-class, have been pushed to the edge of public life. Without the challenges to the dominant culture inherent in the perspectives of those outside it, these movements were easily dismissed...
-Margo Adair and Sharon Howell.
Breaking Old Patterns, Weaving New Ties
Paradoxically, while the Food Not Bombs movement focuses on homelessness, poverty and other issues pertinent disproportionately to poor people and people of color, the movement grew out of the disarmament struggle and other forms of white, middle class 80s activism. Failing to change, the FNB movement is dominated by white, middle-class people, and when people of color participate at all, they are often not included without the white racism inherent to US culture rearing its ugly head. We must take steps to change this. If your group is beginning, now is an opportune time.
So let's face it, Food Not Bombs is overwhelmingly white and middle-class. Maybe it's because it came out of middle-class, white activism in the 80s and spread to DIY punk culture in the 90s. Whatever the reasons, it's a fact.
In 2002 there are hopeful signs that a renewed sense
of importance and urgency exists among white radicals that the struggles
of oppressed groups:
1. have existed for as long as oppression and white racism have reigned
2. deserve support and solidarity work
But what exactly is the role of the white activist in the struggle for liberation and self-determination of people of color?
There might not be one single role, but one thing is for sure, i.e. that white activists too often try to organize people of color only on their terms and often in a "we know best" sort of way. And then they ask, "Why don't we have more African-Americans in our group?" Why would people of color want to join a group such as Food Not Bombs, made of mostly white activists, which, however well intentioned, carry with them racist and white superiority attitudes and behaviors (often well concealed to the afflicted person)? This makes a group like Food Not Bombs uncomfortable for people of color because, for one thing, people aren't thinking about issues of racism and oppression because it's assumed to not be central to "the struggle", and often are unwilling to examine their own tendencies and beliefs.
So Food Not Bombs should not look to "diversify" in a token way. It is better to remain predominantly white and middle-class and to recognize that these characteristics exist, and to actively work towards overcoming them within the culture of white activists before trying to organize with people of color.
This is not say, however, that Food Not Bombs should ignore the struggles of oppressed peoples until it gets its collective shit together. Rather, FNB should act as an ally and supporter of individuals and organizations, being careful not to try to take over the work of people of color. Whites need to recognize that they are not going to take the central role in the struggle for liberation amongst oppressed peoples, and instead should examine white privilege and white supremacy.
This issue is complex, and super fucking important. As with most issues, there are no easy answers. Your group first needs to be aware of the range of issues. Ask yourself why you're mostly a white organization? Without tokenizing, what can you do about it? How can you support the struggles of people of color? What examples have other mainly white organizations set for you?
See the contact info for the Challenging White Supremacy Workshop Collective in San Francisco for more information and resources.
Here are a few thoughts on actively fighting racism...
* Confront! Don't let racist statements and behavior go unchallenged. Remember that Food Not Bombs is a model for the new society. While remaining nonviolent, take a stand.
* People from dominant groups must take responsibility for learning about the perspectives of others. This includes learning about the histories, cultures, conditions, and traditions of resistance from groups other than one's own; and listening respectfully when people speak about their issues.
* Watch yourselves for dominant and racist behavior. Besides the checklist of behaviors a few pages back, watch especially for patronizing and interrupting. Stop any and all stereotyping and assumptions about others' experiences, both your own and from others in the group.
* Remember that others have no reason to know in advance what an enlightened, non- racist, cool person you are. Don't take stuff personally, and don't assume the trust of others. Appreciate the risks people take in an open and trusting way.
* Watch the vibes. Be polite and hospitable. Be aware if people are comfortable.
* Remember what a white male culture thing it is to try to be the perfect hero savior. Don't think, or speak, for others. Recognize that you will make offensive errors.
* Include all perspectives when setting the groups agenda and program.
* Share power. Food Not Bombs groups have often focused on counter-cultural, white, street culture. By becoming an effective element in the lives of America's disinherited millions of all backgrounds and colors, Food Not Bombs can help turn things around. In some communities you may face bigger problems than just the subtle biases of well-meaning activists, such as overt, even organized, racism!
* Educate, educate, educate. Poor or homeless white people need to realize that we're all in this together. Teach people who want to participate that racist statements are unacceptable, especially when acting as Food Not Bombs.
* Organized racist groups may pose a frightening, violent challenge. Even if racism is not a focused issue, you may face hostility from the extreme right. Don't go it alone, turn to the local movement, contact the Food Not Bombs network, or contact Anti-Racist Action
