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Thank you @DrSeanKWilson for giving the academy this powerful piece. We don't deserve it. But, I seriously appreciate it. I will be assigning it in all my grad classes moving forward. 1/ https://twitter.com/DrSeanKWilson/status/1312048484237836300
I've been thinking a lot about the ways in which white women who occupy more than one access of oppression (e.g., white and gay; white and a religious minority) can weaponize their whiteness in ways men can't under the guise of feminism. 2/
@DrSeanKWilson discusses "academic ‘Karens’ who pose as progressive allies & social justice warriors while subjecting Black faculty to extreme microaggressions." 3/
Like @DrSeanKWilson, I believe that academic "progressive" and "feminist" Karens pose a huge threat to equity in the academy. Their (false) belief that they're feminists gives them more power to hurt & oppress faculty (and students) of Color. They hide behind their feminism. 4/
What's also problematic, as @DrSeanKWilson
notes, is those folks who occupy 1 axis of oppression (white women) & white men typically side w/ academic Karens because they've dedicated their work/life 2 "equality." "How can X be racist? She's a feminist & gay rights activist!"5/
notes, is those folks who occupy 1 axis of oppression (white women) & white men typically side w/ academic Karens because they've dedicated their work/life 2 "equality." "How can X be racist? She's a feminist & gay rights activist!"5/
I have very few answers for the numerous issues
@DrSeanKWilson raises in this piece. But, I do know that as a white queer woman, I must shift the power I have to my colleagues of Color if I truly want to help change the academic space. 6/
@DrSeanKWilson raises in this piece. But, I do know that as a white queer woman, I must shift the power I have to my colleagues of Color if I truly want to help change the academic space. 6/
I must be vocal when I see racism and microaggressions. I must also self-reflect and consider the ways *I* have contributed to an environment where scholars of Color are marginalized, discriminated against, and disrespected. 7/
The reality is, if you're white you have likely contributed to the environment @DrSeanKWilson describes. Yes, that can be uncomfortable to sit w/. But, let's be real, that discomfort pales in comparison to the historical & contemporary experiences described by
@DrSeanKWilson 8/
@DrSeanKWilson 8/
@DrSeanKWilson ends his piece with "I hope this op-ed serves as a call to arms for people truly committed to equity and diversity and I hope it empowers Black junior faculty members to use their voices to change oppressive institutions." 9/
This piece is essential readings for all academics, but especially white women who occupy more than one axis of oppression. Remember, we (I mean white women) can be queer, religious minorities, grew up poor, chronically ill, etc. AND STILL BE RACIST. 10/
Even the progressive ones, like @DrSeanKWilson
describes. We must do better. Myself included. 11/11
describes. We must do better. Myself included. 11/11
