Nicholas and All,

I get why the title and headings might cause you to say so, but upon reading the article I think you are way off. I may have not read it were it not for your objection, so I sincerely thank you for writing to the group.

I find the article very helpful. I see these many of these cultural dynamics play out at our Chicago community shop. If we want to be anti-racist, we have to be better about sharing power. My thoughts on your response are below.

Best,

-Matthew from The Recyclery

The document is not describing “white problems.” The intro says as much. It is describing elements in “White supremacy culture.” I admit, that it’s was confusing for me at first. As I read the list I came to see that the “culture” the article is describing, is a grouping of practices, attitudes, and beliefs that tend to uphold power dynamics that exclude people of color. This culture works against racial justice.

The “perfectionism” and “objectivity” described might be more clearly named as “so called perfectionism” and “so called objectivity.” With “perfectionism,” it is not describing being careful to get it right. Instead it is a warning about being overly critical of others work and neglecting to give praise and not being able to see to take advantage of their work. With “objectivity” it is not an indictment of the scientific method. Instead, it is sceptical of those who hold “objectivity” as something they alone possess. Sometimes people and organizations don’t seek out subjective feedback. They become unresponsive and deaf to the important expressions of their stakeholders. They are not measuring the right things, but they don’t know it because they are not valuing subjective experiences.

On Thu, Oct 11, 2018 at 2:24 PM Cyclista Nicholas <cyclista@inventati.org> wrote:

That document points out a lot of distinct problems that are important
to consider. However, with a few exceptions, it doesn't ground itself in
examples of *how or why these are specifically white problems*.

Additionally it:

-demonizes some utilitarian goals, such as perfectionism
-demonizes goals that are crucial to wisdom, such as objectivity (not to
suggest subjectivity is inherently detrimental to that process)
-attaches debatable characteristics and behaviors to well-known words
-demonizes goals that are crucial for struggling nonprofit
organizations, such as a sense of urgency
-contradicts itself by criticizing lack of transparency in decision and
rule making while also criticizing documentation
-sets up a condition wherein one can be accused of white supremacy by
defending, say, perfectionism or objectivity

Many of the issues presented in the document are clearly important ones
we all face, and the gist is worth meditating on. The document is,
however, an "oldie"... in that it needs several redrafts.

One might even say... urgently.

Apologies in advance to everyone (including Angel) for any flame war
this might erupt.

cyclista Nicholas

On 2018-10-10 15:25, Angel York wrote:
> old but good
>
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