JUNE 2020
To tackle race-related issues, white people need to address their own biases. Part one of this series is called White Fragility, a phenomenon I frequently encounter when talking to white people about race. Part two offers a path of redemption for white people. Wilhelmina model Patrick Murray is the model for these photographs.
I think race conversations with white people are fascinating; usually brief, ending with their dismissal or indifference. One time, a white person was in tears screaming for me to leave. It’s as if they have PTSD… I think these conversations force introspection into their human value: “Does whiteness play a pivotal role in my monetary, academic, and professional attainment? What about my vanity? My safety? But this can’t be! I was told we were all…”. Reconciling one’s reality with another’s will call everything into question. But honesty and vulnerability are vital for self-care, which leads to self-love. With that, it’s only natural to align with those who demand equality
I once read that this unfortunate pandemic is divine intervention; a vast majority of people have no distractions, are deeply engaged with social media, and are experiencing social distance fatigue. Finally a moment to focus on an ongoing, urgent issue. More than ever, people care; Re-education, protest, and social media activity are clear examples. But redemption from blatant disregard will only happen when tangible change is realized via voting, and evolution of social attitudes
