Read on Twitter
Serious question. Why do white people (generally) have an issue with saying the word ‘black’? when referring to a black person? I have seen it in meetings, watched it on videos etc. The stumbling over this word truly baffles me. Was there a secret meeting that stated this was a
Bad thing to do? The ease in which I hear BAME, Ethnic Minority, POC, WOC etc doesn’t make sense to me. When ‘black’ is what I am and what I (and many other black people) want to be referred as. It’s so ironic that these other names are used so freely without hesitation...
I remember one instance I was in a meeting with a producer from an organisation I was working with on a show and we were looking for a hair and make up professional to join the team. The majority of the performers were black women, I said we needed to find a black woman to do the
Job. The producer turned to me and said ‘yes, that makes sense to find a BAME person’. My head spun for a few seconds, who said anything about BAME. A black woman is what I said. I had to think quickly because as a black woman you can be judged very quickly for being agressive
When you are simply speaking your truth. I looked at the producer, smiled and said ‘not BAME, black’. She smiled (awkwardly) and said ‘oh, yes, b-b-b-Black, of course’. In another zoom meeting today I heard a white woman use the term ‘black and ethnic minority’. More eye rolling
From me. Not at this woman but at the way these terms have been created and used freely with no regard for the people who are labelled with them. Is it so hard to just to refer to people as they are? Why are Black people and other races that are not white lumped together? Why are
We not important enough to be referred to as we are? This ‘otherness’ is not cool at all and somehow we have ALL (mostly) been conditioned to think it is ok. Well my friends for me it is not. If you feel unsure about what to call someone ask them. Isn’t that the respectful thing
To do? Take me as an example. If you ask me what I want to be called it will be Black. All day everyday and guess what? I will have so much more love and respect for you. You asking shows you SEE me, you value me. Isn’t that some of what we all want? And yes, you might meet a
Black person who says you can call them one of those other terms mentioned above. This is fine too, because ONE Black person does not represent all black people. We are different, like different things, have different tastes etc. The thing is you have taken the time to ask that
Particular Black person you are speaking with. Think about the terms you use for Black people in your team meetings when your one Black colleaugue is there ALONE apprehensive to speak up for fear of being isolated further. Not wanting to ‘rock the boat’, to make you feel
Uncomfortable. Because they know if they speak up it is going to get awkward. This is the DAILY pressure Black people face. Sitting in our own uncomfortable space so that you don’t have to. It is exhausting. Oh and one last thing before I end this thread. A big last thing from me
‘I don’t see colour’ is NOT A COMPLIMENT! It is erasure wrapped up in something trying to be cool and progressive. Stop it. Please, stop it. I repeat it is not a compliment. Black people are being killed daily because of the colour of our skin. How can you not see it? When did
This become a cool thing to say? Maybe I missed the meeting about it? The work it takes to be a better human is not SEASONAL. It doesn’t come in waves, the same way being Black is 24/7. I know it’s the in thing (right now) to be pro-black and anti-racist.. How are you being a
Part of this positive change for forever? What is the one thing you will start doing right now? That you will embed into your everyday life and practice, to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the Black people around you? Don’t do it for the funding, the # or cool points. Do it
Because you want to be part of the positive change. Because you want to protect the lives of Black people. Because you want to see Black people as equal and not less than/other. And as always if you don’t, step aside and stop taking up space. Much love 
. The End.
. The End.
