In this new age of transparency, the concept of white privilege is a regular topic of discussion on social media. White people who thought they were allies of the black community by having friends of color, have been brought to task to not only reflect on their inner bias but also check fellow white people who stand on pedestals of unearned power.
Leading the conversation about this is Insecure actress Amanda Seales who’s been very vocal about identifying what white people can do to better themselves— and step one is to stop asking black people what to do.
“I’m just not here for this,” Seales said on Instagram in response to Lady Gaga asking what she can do to help the black community. “You in the same country as us. We’re not silent. If you don’t know what is needed YOU HAVE NOT BEEN LISTENING. (This is for Gaga, anyone else asking, ‘What do you need from us?!’ Like we’re refugees, and anyone suggesting that ‘black folks have always been teachers’ FOH.”
Adding, “Y’all can keep on playin’ mammy and raising white (wo)man children if ya want to… I’d rather work with folks who research/take action. Freedom is having the ability to choose your own role in revolution!”
In June Seales called out Caitlyn Jenner for being critical of the black experience in America.
“The reason I am so passionate ― and I’m not hostile, I’m passionate ― is because I’ve had such a different experience in this country than you” Seales said on camera. “Because as a black woman, the government is so much in my life, and it always has been… I think there’s a lot to understand for why people are talking the way they talk about different things. I understand why you’re talking the way you’re talking.”
“I just don’t understand,” Jenner responded, “I just said I believe in this country.”
“Yes. You can say that in a way that I cannot,” Seales replied. “Because you’ve had a different experience. Because this country is here for you. This country ain’t here for me in the same way, sis.”
Hopefully, white people are listening and taking mental notes.