What White People Are Getting Wrong About BLM and How to Get It Right with Sok Vision

by D'Arcy Benincosa

What White People Are Getting Wrong About BLM and How to Get It Right with Erin and Steve of Sok Vision and D'Arcy Benincosa on The Play It Brave Podcast

In the world as it is today you may be feeling fear and confusion around what to say and do to support the Black Lives Matter Movement. You or people you know may have been “called out” or corrected and that can feel uncomfortable or embarrassing. It’s okay to be uncomfortable. Uncomfortable is GOOD. In this episode, Erin and Steve of Sok Vision join me to discuss what White people are getting wrong, and what you can be doing and saying that will make a sustainable impact! Hit play.

About Sok Vision:

Erin and Steve of Sok Vision are a husband and wife duo that have mastered the art of crafting heirloom films for weddings and businesses in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area. They are nationally recognized by major publications such as the Washingtonian, Martha Stewart, Style Me Pretty, and Essence. Sok Vision is best known for fusing fine art and documentary style videography to tell stories that represent the world.

Key Takeaways:

What to say when you don’t know what to say:

Get rid of the idea that you’re not going to make mistakes. Get rid of the fear of being embarrassed. It’s okay to be corrected and learn from your mistakes.
These corrections may not always be gentle. We have to take into account the grief and burden that Black people are shouldering and not expect them to cater to our emotions when responding.
See corrections as space where you can learn and improve, and recognize that you’re not the victim here.

What are White people still getting wrong about racism?

Racism is not for White people to teach about. White people aren’t able to apply nuance to Black people’s lived in situations.

Combat racism within your own community. Have conversations and speak out against stereotypes around you.
Be willing to sacrifice something. Whether that’s your comfort, reputation, money, opportunities, or something else.
Once you understand that there are wealth and education gaps, you have to be accountable to that and fight for equality. You can’t just recognize it and move on.

Regarding Microaggressions:

There is a section in our society are able to function in this blind spot. They may have Black friends, co-workers, etc. and they believe their proximity to Blackness cancels out their ability to be racist.
Being racist doesn’t have to have anything to do with intent. It has everything to do with impact.
Microaggressions start with how you’re positioning your thoughts around people who live differently than us. Before we judge other people’s circumstances, think about how you have played a part in creating that circumstance for them.

What YOU can be doing:

Self-educate (see resources below)
Restructure your business and life for more diversity and anti-racist actions.
Make sure you continue to amplify voices of Black people and allow them to teach. Don’t try to step into the role of a teacher.
Donate to Black organizations and support Black businesses
Strive to get perspective. Reach out to Black people and communities, especially when you live in areas that have less diversity. Hear their stories.
Speak out against oppression and racism in your own communities.
Think of your actions in the long-term. How do you plan on sustaining your impact?
How can you impact more than just your own circle? Find ways you can challenge others beyond your own circle.