The word “Karen” has become a slur towards white women but it still pales (no pun intended) in comparison to the n word. It seems the mere mention of race as a foundational organizing system in our society is so threatening and makes some people so uncomfortable that to even hear about it triggers a strong reaction. That’s how much we depend on whiteness remaining invisible. Seattle authors Tilman Smith and Ilsa Govan have worked for many years as trainers, educators and facilitators to try to help people, particularly white women like themselves, to see racial justice as part of their work.
What’s Up with White Women? Authors, Iisa Govan and Tilman Smith is a practical guide for white women who are interested in becoming more effective in their cross-cultural, anti-racist practices. Blending real-life stories, theory, and anti-racism practices from decades of on-the-ground work, the authors invite white women to understand their gendered role in systemic racism and their unique opportunity for action. Both frank and compassionate, coverage includes:
Stories of white women’s experiences with sexism, racism, and white privilege
How white women harm BIPOC and ourselves by colluding with systems of oppression
Why and how white women often hijack race conversations
A powerful six-stage identity development model for self-reflection and growth
Guiding questions and practical actions for strengthening anti-racism practices
Tools to cultivate genuine partnerships with BIPOC individuals and groups.
White women are positioned in a power hierarchy between white men and BIPOC. It is time for white women to step up and undertake deep reflection on their role in systemic racism and take concrete actions that support equity and justice for all people.
The book opens with a powerful story about Govan and Smith helping to organize an anti-racism conference while not seeing how their leadership was perpetuating the very racism they were working to change.
While it is absolutely critical that white people continue to read books, watch films, and listen to and follow the wisdom and leadership of people of color, it can’t just end there. “Too many white women are also silent in conversations about racism because we have internalized sexism,” Govan said. “And we’ve heard the message, we should be following the lead of people of color. And so then we leave all of the weight of carrying those conversations on the shoulders of people of color.”
Tilman Smith is an educator, consultant, facilitator, and activist focused on racial justice, white privilege, internalized sexism, and internalized white superiority. She lives in Seattle, WA. Ilsa Govan is an anti-racist facilitator, consultant, leadership coach, activist, and the co-founder of Cultures Connecting, which has helped countless organizations put their vision of racial equity into practice. She lives in Seattle, WA.
