A Call for Color in America's Multicultural Society
Written on
I ask for your understanding regarding the flaws in my perspective, hoping that through shared kindness, we can confront our historical shortcomings to forge a brighter future. In requesting your forgiveness for the imperfections in my viewpoint, I also hope that you might accept the flaws in my expressions. Though neither my observations nor my words are flawless, I share them with you because they are all I possess.
When I titled this piece "A Colorless White World," I felt an unsettling weight in my stomach. Such a title might provoke an immediate negative response from some. A world devoid of color seems bleak, and as a person of European descent, discussing societal issues that are less than positive can feel constrained by the concept of 'white privilege.'
Expressing any form of discomfort—especially regarding race—invites allegations of entitlement and a lack of gratitude.
> Who am I, a white woman in America, to voice complaints or express any negative sentiments related to race or culture? How can I be affected by the divisions among us? What right do I have to demand change or equality? How dare I seek the same rights as others when I already enjoy the privileges afforded by my skin color in this country?
These questions echo in my mind whenever I contemplate writing about issues that negatively impact my life or touch on race.
However, if I genuinely advocate for equality, my voice and experience hold value too.
Claiming that I should refrain from advocating for my own rights or those of others who share my racial background—because they are perceived to have advantages—is akin to suggesting that a survivor of assault should remain silent, as they were not fatally harmed.
This is the narrative I often encounter.
> My experiences are deemed insignificant in discussions of these matters because I am white. My emotional response to the tragic events, like the harrowing footage of George Floyd’s death, is minimized because I am white. It is said that I lack the capacity to empathize with individuals of color at the same level as those who share their background because I am white. Most critically, I am discouraged from articulating my thoughts and feelings on racial matters because I am white.
American Culture and Modern Segregation
The assertion that I lack the right to engage in conversations about racial progress due to my skin color suggests that my concerns should only align with those of my racial group. How does this promote equality?
We express discontent about historical narratives being sanitized while simultaneously ignoring the whitewashing of diverse experiences across our nation.
I find myself not only barred from discussing race and oppression but also criticized for celebrating the rich tapestry of cultures that define America. This misguided zeal for anti-racism has led to a contemporary form of segregation that was largely absent before 2020.
Throughout my life in America, I have enjoyed sushi, hip-hop, piñatas, and the Macarena. People of all backgrounds have shared hairstyles and musical tastes; our culture is inherently a blend of influences.
You would think these aspects of American culture would be celebrated, yet instead, individuals face ridicule for their cultural appreciation—often labeled as 'culture-vultures' or accused of cultural appropriation.
Some argue that individuals of color cannot engage in cultural appropriation, while others can.
Those who appreciate diverse cultures are frequently criticized for treating them as mere sources of entertainment.
Regrettably, American culture is being overshadowed by a distorted form of anti-racism that conflates every issue with racism, leaving genuine instances unaddressed.
Society and mainstream media seem to expect me to lead a life devoid of color—focusing solely on issues pertinent to white individuals, honoring only white cultural narratives, and participating only in white discourse.
I Refuse to Live in a Colorless World
If I were to strip away every cultural influence from my life, I would find myself in a barren and colorless existence.
All Americans, regardless of their background or skin tone, belong to a vibrant multicultural society.
If I submit to societal pressures and refrain from advocating for racial equality, I also deny my right to advocate for my children, friends, family, and ultimately, myself.
My life has not been devoid of diversity; it has been enriched by people of various colors and cultural heritages. I have engaged with individuals from all walks of life, shared meals with diverse groups, and given birth to children of different complexions. I have witnessed both the triumphs and struggles of people across the racial spectrum. I have found solace in the embraces of individuals of all shades.
If I were to erase the color from my world, there would be nothing left.
Neglecting to advocate for those who do not share my appearance means I would inadvertently be discriminating against people based solely on their skin color.
But isn’t that the very issue we are striving to combat?
If I refrain from advocating for white individuals because they are perceived as better off, I still engage in discrimination based on skin color.
As I write this, I feel the societal weight that tells me I lack the right to express sadness. Yet if I silence myself because of my skin color, I cannot genuinely support the cause of equality.
Allow me to reintroduce myself.
My name is Holly Kellums. I am a white woman living in America. Although my skin may be light, my world is rich with color. From this day forth, I refuse to discriminate against anyone based on their skin color—especially not myself.
I will no longer suppress my voice due to my racial identity.
I will no longer lie awake at night questioning whether I should silence myself.
I will no longer hesitate to identify as an activist, fearing that my activism may appear diluted by my racial identity.
I will base my self-worth on my character, not my skin color.
And I will extend the same courtesy to you.
I encourage everyone to reflect on the words of our esteemed predecessor and consider doing the same for me.
> I look to a day when individuals will not be evaluated by the color of their skin, but by the substance of their character. > > — Martin Luther King Jr.
Written by Holly Kellums
Connect with me on [My Website] or via social media—[Facebook], [Twitter], [Instagram], [LinkedIn].
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the remarkable authors and influencers who inspired me to reclaim my voice and narrative despite my fair skin.
- The Maverick Files * Steve QJ * Cocoa Griot * Bobby J Mattingly * Genius Turner * Antön Valentine *