Allen, W.S (2022) White Women's Tears(3, white women's tears, responses, challenging cultural scripts)

White Settler Womanhood

The historical roles of white women supporting colonialism and racism, often under the guise of helping others.

The Story of Harmful Help

An example illustrating that well-meaning actions can inadvertently lead to harm, such as calling police on an Indigenous individual in distress.

White Women’s Tears

A phenomenon where white women express guilt or shame that distracts from the harm caused to others, focusing more on their feelings.

Moral Guardians

The role assigned to white women in colonial times, tasked with civilizing Indigenous and other racialized peoples.

Cultural Scripts

Lessons learned during upbringing that shape behavior and identity, often leading white women to see themselves as protectors or helpers.

Modern Implications

The continuation of harmful patterns by white women in institutional roles, affecting marginalized groups under the guise of assistance.

Police Involvement

The risk of calling law enforcement in non-violent situations, potentially leading to more harm, especially for marginalized individuals.

Community-Based Resources

Alternatives to institutional help, focusing on local support systems rather than authorities.

Systemic Racism

A form of racism embedded within the policies and practices of societal institutions, influencing white women's actions today.

Intersectionality

The interconnected nature of social categorizations such as race, class, and gender, affecting how different people experience oppression.

Decisions in Institutions

The influence of white women's roles in schools, hospitals, and social services that may perpetuate harm unwittingly.

Reflecting on Privileges

The encouragement for white women to acknowledge their privileges and biases to foster change.

Listening to Affected Communities

The practice of prioritizing the voices and needs of those harmed over self-perceived notions of help.

Historical Power Dynamics

The structures of power established during colonial times that continue to affect relationships between races today.

Assuming Help

The tendency of white women to presume they understand what is best for marginalized communities without proper consultation.

Empathy and Accountability

The call for white women to develop empathy and to take accountability for their historical roles in systemic racism.

Reinforcing Stereotypes

The unintended consequence of actions taken by white women that fortify negative stereotypes against Indigenous and racialized communities.

Civilizing Mission

The historical justification used by colonial powers for their presence in Indigenous lands, often assigned to white women.

Harmful Patterns

Recurring behaviors that perpetuate discrimination or inequality, often rooted in historical injustices.

Activism and Education

The efforts needed for white women to educate themselves on colonialism and racism as a step toward meaningful change.