White Perspectives on Racism in FIRST

[gblake]

Originally Posted by smurfgirl

For all of the white people commenting that you haven't observed racism in FIRST, I invite you to question why that is. Is it because it doesn't exist widely, or at all? Or could it be that we have an observer bias as white people, because whatever racism that does exist isn't directed toward us?

The analogy for me is how I hear repeatedly again from men that while they may agree that sexism in STEM still exists on a greater scale, it doesn't exist "here" (wherever here may be). Sure, they might not see it because it isn't happening directly to them, but I see it because it happens to me.

White people can't be an authority on whether/how much racism there is in FIRST. We can educate ourselves to become more aware of the existing problem, and we can serve as partners in overcoming the problem.

Or ...
Our experiences and conclusions might match those of "PoC" Koko Ed (found here).

Would you write your message in reply to his post?

Is it OK to read what Koko Ed wrote, and then be annoyed by admonitions about assumed insensitivity, or other assumed failings?

Blake