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Eminem and Other White Allies Supporting the Cause

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6 years ago

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white allies, eminem, black excellence, racial justice

Oppression is not a black issue. It is a humanity issue. It is an issue of right and wrong, in the way we perceive right and wrong in modern civilization. Black people are not the only ones who suffer from discrimination or injustice. The list is long, both in the U.S. and around the world. That is why supporting the fight for racial justice should not have a color. I don’t have to be gay to support gay rights. You don’t have to be black to support racial equality. I believe most get it, but only a few are vocal about it in the media.

I know, I know, white allies  is a very divisive  term. Some believe that white allies are actually the worst, because they smile to your face and pretend like they support you, but their actions say otherwise. However, aren’t there some real white allies?  Shouldn’t some people get credit for supporting the cause in some shape or form, when so many are simply silent? Nobody is 100% good. But when good deeds are done, by white, black, brown, it should be acknowledged and encouraged. There is also a danger in labeling all white people the same. Because, as we know historically, many of them paid with their blood for being allies.

Here is a list of some white allies that have stood with the cause.

Eminem

By now, you probably have heard about Eminem’s BET Hip-Hop awards Cypher verse. Although we are not a fan of making fun of the president’s looks or violence against anybody, Eminem used his platform to stand up with us. Our favorite lines?

Tiki torches in hand for the soldier that’s black
And comes home from Iraq
And is still told to go back to Africa
Fork and a dagger in this racist 94-year-old grandpa
Who keeps ignorin’ our past historical, deplorable factors
Now if you’re a black athlete, you’re a spoiled little brat for
Tryna use your platform, or your stature
To try to give those a voice who don’t have one
He says, “You’re spittin’ in the face of vets who fought for us, you bastards!”
Unless you’re a POW who’s tortured and battered
‘Cause to him you’re zeros, ’cause he don’t like his war heroes captured
That’s not disrespectin’ the military
F*** that, this is for Colin, ball up a fist!

 

Dale Hansen

The sportscaster had one of our favorite responses to #takeaknee.

RELATED: Why Protesting is Very American: Take A Knee 

Peggy McIntosh

Before white privilage was a mainstream term, Peggy McIntosh was already writing about back in 1988. Her essay, White Privilege and Male Privilege: A Personal Account of Coming to See Correspondences Through Work in Women’s Studies, lists everyday examples of white privilege. For a good meaning white person who asks how they can be allies, reading this essay first, along with many other books on race relations in America, would be a great start.

 

Mark Ruffalo

The talented actor has been using his social media to support various black issues, from #blacklivesmatter to #justiceforflint. He’s also a climate change advocate, important to the human race.

Tim Wise 

Some consider Wise as the John Brown of our time. The antiracist essayist and educator has been an equality activist since the early 1980s and speaks extensively on matters of white privilege and racial relations in America.

 

The list is much longer, but we will end it here. Comment below with your thoughts on both white allies and your favorite examples.

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