General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: As a white male I am blamed for all the ills of society [View all]ancianita
(36,031 posts)based on that awareness. If there's more to learn about "the shit you don't have to put up with it," that willingness goes a long way with anyone, I'd say. It does with me.
I'd add that, for me, when I'm being disadvantaged by systems that privilege white men, my calling is to create space which allows the privileged to be their best selves. And then work with that -- or challenge any presumptions of privilege when I experience them, humorously or not, depending on the context -- since few of the privileged can throw off 100% of their acquired mentality or behavior. Sometimes I'm frustrated. But where I see effort I see hope.
Those disadvantaged can alienate potential allies if they impose 'loyalty oaths' or 'tests' on their allies every time they're around. Walking around with psychological dukes up doesn't help those who want to be, or work as, allies of systemically disadvantaged minorities, women or anyone else. I think this was an important lesson for me as I saw how I was perceived while working in a black community.