Whitelash Always Responds to Black Advancement
JFM is elevating and centering the words of Caroline J. Sumlin, “Whitelash always responds to Black advancement. Period.”
In response to the Supreme Court striking down Affirmative Action, Caroline shared, “White supremacy is built on the belief that white people are superior, and that white people (and whiteness) should always remain at the top of the social and power hierarchy. Any time this is challenged, there is white backlash, better known as whitelash.”
The concept of whitelash is relevant to the JFM movement. Whitelash, in this context, can be understood as a reaction from individuals or groups who feel threatened by the advancement of People of Color into positions of power. They may perceive such advancements as a challenge to their perceived privileges and the social hierarchy that traditionally favors white individuals. As a result, there is resistance or backlash, leading to the removal of individuals like Dr. Medlock and their replacement with white leaders who are seen as preserving the existing power structure.
"Whitelash" refers to a perceived backlash or resistance by white individuals or groups against progressive social and political changes, often in response to the increasing multiculturalism and diversification of societies. Whitelash captures the notion that some individuals who identify as white may feel threatened or disenfranchised by changing demographics and that these individuals may exhibit resistance or pushback against policies, initiatives, or movements that challenge their perceived social, economic, or political privileges.
While the term itself gained popularity in recent years, the underlying dynamics it describes have been subjects of academic research and analysis.
"Whitelash: White Rage and the Unspoken Truth of Our Racial Divide" by Carol Anderson examines historical patterns of backlash against racial progress in the United States, highlighting how efforts to advance civil rights and equality have often been met with resistance from white individuals and institutions seeking to maintain their perceived privileges and power.
"From #BlackLivesMatter to Black Liberation" by Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor critically examines the contemporary Black liberation movement and the various forms of resistance and backlash it has encountered. Taylor’s book provides insights into the dynamics of whitelash within the broader context of racial justice movements.
"Between the World and Me" by Ta-Nehisi Coates, while not explicitly centered on the concept of whitelash, explores the African-American experience in America and the ongoing struggle for racial justice. It delves into the structural racism and systemic challenges faced by Black individuals, shedding light on the context within which whitelash can occur.
"We Were Eight Years in Power: An American Tragedy" by Ta-Nehisi Coates is a collection of essays by Ta-Nehisi Coates covering the Obama era and the subsequent rise of white backlash providing analysis and commentary on the challenges faced by the African-American community in the face of systemic racism and political shifts.
The consequences of whitelash vary and have wide-ranging implications in different societal contexts. Whitelash hinders progress in advancing social, economic, and political equality. It manifests as resistance to policies, initiatives, or movements aimed at promoting diversity, inclusion, and dismantling systemic discrimination. This resistance slows down or impedes efforts to address racial disparities and create a more equitable society. Furthermore, whitelash reinforces existing inequalities by maintaining the status quo and upholding systems that benefit white individuals and perpetuate racial hierarchies. It also contributes to the marginalization and exclusion of minority groups, limiting their access to resources, opportunities, and positions of power.
In cases where whitelash results in the removal or suppression of BIPOC leaders in positions of power, it also undermines representation and causes generational harm. This lack of representation can perpetuate the exclusion of diverse perspectives, further marginalizing BIPOC voices and hindering the development of inclusive policies and decision-making processes. It causes negative psychological, emotional, and physical effects on individuals and communities targeted. Whitelash creates a sense of insecurity, erodes trust, and contribute to feelings of alienation and disempowerment for BIPOC. This, in turn, can impact well-being and perpetuate systemic injustices.
For a white person to reflect on whether they are engaging in whitelash, it requires a willingness to examine their beliefs, behaviors, and responses to social and political changes. Here are some points to consider during self-reflection:
Acknowledge Privilege: Recognize that being white comes with certain privileges and advantages in many societies. Reflect on how this privilege may influence your perspectives, actions, and reactions to issues related to race and diversity.
Examine Defensive Reactions: Take a closer look at your responses when discussions or actions challenge the existing power structures or question racial inequalities. Are you immediately dismissive, defensive, or resistant? Reflect on whether these reactions stem from a fear of losing privilege or a desire to maintain the status quo.
Listen and Learn: Engage in active listening and seek out diverse perspectives. Make an effort to understand the experiences and concerns of individuals from marginalized communities. Read books, articles, and research from authors of different racial backgrounds to broaden your understanding of racial dynamics and historical contexts.
Question Implicit Biases: Reflect on your own biases and prejudices. Examine any unconscious biases you may hold and challenge them through self-reflection, education, and exposure to diverse perspectives. Consider how these biases might shape your interactions, decisions, and support for initiatives aimed at advancing racial equity.
Support Inclusive Policies and Actions: Consider whether you actively support or resist policies, initiatives, and movements that seek to address racial disparities and promote diversity and inclusion. Reflect on whether your actions contribute to positive change or inadvertently reinforce existing inequalities.
Engage in Self-Education: Commit to ongoing learning about racial issues, systemic racism, and the experiences of marginalized communities. Actively seek out resources, workshops, and conversations that deepen your understanding of race and racism.
Take Responsibility and Allyship: Acknowledge that addressing racial inequalities is a collective responsibility. Consider how you can be an ally to marginalized communities, amplifying their voices, and supporting efforts for racial justice. This may involve challenging friends, family, colleagues, and supervisors when they engage in discriminatory behavior or perpetuate harmful narratives.
Self-reflection is an ongoing process, and it requires humility, openness, and a willingness to learn and grow. By critically examining your own attitudes, behaviors, and responses, you can actively work towards combating whitelash and contributing to a more equitable and inclusive society.
Sign the Petition to Reinstate Dr. Medlock
On Monday, April 17, 2023, Colorado Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) Commissioner, Morgan Medlock, MD, MDiv, MPH, a Black community leader, was unjustly removed from her Colorado cabinet position without cause. Her removal risks the lives of millions of people in Colorado who deserve accessible, trauma-informed, and culturally-responsive behavioral health care. It also perpetuates the message that strong, qualified Women of Color are vulnerable to the whims of political systems and cabinet leadership.
Demand justice for Dr. Medlock by signing the petition for Governor Polis to bring her back as the Commissioner of the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration (BHA).