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Why White People Should Support #BlackLivesMatter

It's been hard to navigate how and what to say during this time in our nation's history.

As a white woman, I am fully aware of my privilege and don't want to take up any "extra" space on a media platform that is already filled with other white, cis-gendered, thin, able bodied women....especially on an issue that we are NOT experts in. 

Yet as a wife and mom to Black men, the issue of racism is by no means new to me.  What is interesting is seeing other white people "wake up" to racism, (or on the other extreme blatantly disregard it).  But to be completely transparent, it's also humbling to learn I have not just been an observer in white supremacy or patriarchal systems. By being white, I first have to acknowledge the benefits I've received from others' oppression if I ever want to assist movement towards change.

Just on the basic level of being a human and professional in the mental health space who treats a diverse group of clients....I feel so compelled to continue my own growth and journey, while also knowing that's not good enough to stay complacent with knowledge.  
  • I have to be doing more than just learning for my own good. 
  • I have to step in when I see or hear racist comments or micro-aggressions take place.  
  • I have to support Black-owned businesses and services regularly, not just when it's "trendy" to do so
  • I have to be critical of the eating disorder field's tendency to be very white-washed and lack of diversity.  
  • I have to use my gifts to help get the anti-racism message across (for me, that means I'm drawn to the areas of health at every size and anti-diet movements; and discussing roles of gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity & culture in body image work).
  • Lastly, I can't just sit around hoping for change....we all have a part in this.
So yes it is true that everyone is in their own lane when supporting the #BLM movement - some people are in the learning phase of reading books, listening to podcasts; others are in action, using their voice in protests or educating friends & family members; maybe you've been called to donate to causes that inspire you if you have the funds or time available....but this is not an extensive list.  How in your daily life can you assist in promoting diversity?  Maybe at your place of work, in your community...or in organizations you're involved in professionally or leisurely.  For example in my job, I've been so lucky to have the opportunity to listen and learn from others who don't look like me (clients and professionals alike).  This has in turn helped me dig deeper into topics around recovery and body image that are more inclusive, which has only improved my counseling and educational abilities in both groups and 1-on-1 settings.

Now like many white people, I have already caught myself feeling "exhausted" and wanting a "break" from this intense work...but we have to remember that BIPOC individuals do not get that luxury.  Their lives and existence have always been stressful and politicized...and white people just need to step up and start taking some of the heat if we truly want equality.  So yes, while it is normal to feel overwhelmed (and it is absolutely necessary to take time for your mental health and emotional self-care), we cannot use that an excuse for complacency any longer. 

If you are interested, here are a few of my favorite diverse body image resources to start you on your journey: 
**This is by no means an extensive list, as I continue to add resources to my own collections!  I'd also recommend following the authors and podcast hosts/guests on social media to help diversify your feeds.

BOOKS
Fearing the Black Body: The Racial Origins of Fat Phobia by Sabrina Strings
The Body is Not an Apology by Sonya Renee Taylor
Yoga and Body Image AND Yoga Rising by Melanie Klein

PODCASTS
"Body Trauma - Telling the Story of Our Bodies" with Mia Patterson
"She's All Fat"
"I Weigh" with Jameela Jamil
"Food Heaven Podcast"
"Yoga is Dead"

So now my question to you is:  what are you called to do for change?




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