"Traditionally, in American society, it is the members of oppressed, objectified groups who are expected to stretch out and bridge the gap between the actualities of our lives and the consciousness of our oppressor. In other words, it is the responsibility of the oppressed to teach the oppressors their mistakes. I am responsible for educating teachers who dismiss my children’s culture in school. Black and Third World people are expected to educate white people as to our humanity. Women are expected to educate men. Lesbians and gay men are expected to educate the heterosexual world. The oppressors maintain their position and evade responsibility for their own actions. There is a constant drain of energy which might be better used in devising realistic scenarios for altering the present and constructing the future."

—

Audre Lorde, “Age, Race and Sex: Women Redefining Difference” (via uprightcitizens)

Ahh, this is one of my favourite Audre Lorde quotes. I tried explaining this to another Asian woman in an anti-racism workshop when she said that it’s not productive to just call someone an asshole and walk away. If we wanted change, we needed to explain it to them in a way that is “accessible.” My response is that sometimes I need to just call someone an asshole because I’m so sick and tired of explaining things to white people especially when they are capable of learning for themselves. It’s a drain of energy for me and for our communities. How are we supposed to heal when we’re constantly draining our energy on white folks who many of the time, refuse to listen. There’s much more at stake in those conversations when our humanity is put on the line and our pain is often invalidated? So whatever, I reserve the right to call someone an asshole when they’re being racist and I can provide an explanation when I damn well feel like it. 

(via mytongueisforked)


this is my life RIGHT NOW

(via happygreentea)

(Source: lizdexia, via whale)