I shared something in another space about how I was glad to see that Harry values Meghan as a person, and not just as an object to be controlled and manipulated. I reflected on this because I rarely see an interaction across race, and sometimes culture, that doesn't amount to fetishization or objectification.
Objectification is often spoken about in feminist circles but I also apply it to race... It probably operates in many -isms in different ways. I often see white people fetishize people of color, mostly to our detriment. It is not always sexual in nature, although there are countless stories of this as well. The second meaning in the screenshot below about being obsessed is just as powerful, especially these days.
Some white people are obsessed to know all they can about race and racism because it's been hidden from them. That is the insidious nature of this global lie, white supremacy and western framing of so many things. I have had many people befriend me on that basis alone, as many are unaware of what they are doing. This treatment often ranges from pet-like paternalism to outright retaliation. Many are continuing dynamics of exploitation especially as they continue to expect our training, guidance and stories with no level of exchange. I hope you all slow down your thoughts and memories to discover what is in your heart.
I only discovered another word for this dynamic besides "objectification" recently, although I knew of the word "fetish" and only applied it in one way. I have described the experience of this obsession many ways over the years but "fetish" gets at the nature of it. Recently, I have referred to it as having my pockets picked. Pick pockets don't care about you, they just want what you're carrying that you've probably worked hard to attain.
Those of you who have heard me speak about the new boundary I saw the need to draw, turns out it was because of this. Many of us are okay with this dehumanization just to have certain relationships and many of us suffer under its weight. I rejected it long ago and live what that choice has wrought at every level I have become aware of its pull on my life-force. White people aren't he only ones who have interacted with me thusly. I have experienced the sexual nature of it, but for many other reasons, I have had to slough off people who have wanted to possess or exploit me for their own gain.
Then there are the people who deemed me a radical or didn't find the consciousness raising convenient at the time I was in it and you sidestepped it, sometimes mocking me. Now, because we're family or friends, you want to siphon information, playing catch up. I don't mind, just acknowledge the truth of what you're doing, least of all to me because I see you and I remember. It would be the good and human thing to do. 😉
Whether we objectify or fetishize, please note that we're dehumanizing another, and choose the necessary adjustments and make the necessary apologies.
I always sing the praises of those younger than me for the baton of change they are carrying today, thanks again for calling this what it is!
I didn't realize that the foolishness this man was carrying on about Meghan was because she rejected him. Thank Gina Yashere for sharing this video that provides the backstory of his retaliation (whitelash).
Two clips on the row on Good Morning Britain -
The long segment before what said that lead to this.
When they get called out, they take their toys and leave.
Commentaires