Women & White Supremacy

White Women Will Be Held Accountable

I write this a few days after Vicky Momberg, a racist real estate agent (we seem to have a lot of those in South Africa), was sentenced to a 3 year prison sentence for her racist rants against the South African Police Service. Vicky Momberg hurled racial slurs at the very people who were there to help her, repeating the word 43 times in a short period of time. 

She was arrested, denied bail and sentenced. In the words of Kim Kardashian, “she got what she deserved”. 

So...why are so many people defending this repulsive human being’s actions? Why are we suddenly concerned with harsh prison sentences? Why are we actively discussing this supposed injustice? I hate to break it to you, this country is racist as fuck. 

Vicky Momberg is a white woman. Usually when we think of white supremacy, we think of Klan members, Nazis, the National Party Government etc...the images we see are most commonly men. 

White supremacy is patriarchal in nature, along with believing that their pasty skin makes them superior, they also believe that their genitals do. It is unsurprising that racism and sexism go hand-in-hand, as they are both based on fundamentalist beliefs and views. 

However, it is ignorant to assume that white supremacy is a male dominated battle. No, white women exist in this space too. From the women who would capture Jewish people in Nazi Germany to the Klanswomen who broadcasted their message over radio, white women have always (and I mean always) been part of the problem. 

Yes, yes, I know - “ not all white people”, I am a white person! It’s okay! The only reason you would get defensive is because you know it applies to you. Anyway, for the longest period of time, white women have simply allowed their male counterparts to participate in their racist actions. 

It is uncomfortable for us to acknowledge that white women can be racist too, on the basis of their gender discrimination that is present in society. For example, in 2016, many white women, undeterred by Donald Trump’s misogynistic viewpoints, voted for him anyway. This is because in the view of the racist white woman, her racial group trumps her gender. 

It is difficult for us to accept that Vicky Momberg, who is not a bakkie driving bald Afrikaans man, can be just as racist because well, she looks like us. White women have been hiding their racism behind their gender oppression for years, so when someone like Ms Momberg comes along, they don’t know what to do. So they settle with defending her, which is highly problematic and if anything, simply confirms how discriminatory they are. 

We speak about her long prison sentence yet ignore the mass incarceration of people of colour. We say it is free speech then get upset when people scoff and say “white people”. We, as a collective, need to address these issues. 

I applaud the members of the court who sentenced Vicky Momberg, even though it is not entirely my place. So I pass the mic onto the people of colour who were affected by her words. 

However, while I am here I want to address the white people reading this. For literally the whole of history, white people have enslaved, brutalised, gentrified and assimilated people of colour. In our country, people who did so with a political motive, were offered amnesty. You are upset with Vicky Momberg getting three years in prison but you are okay with Apartheid criminals roaming free. This is a landmark case, you have a chance to be on the right side of history, take the opportunity to grow from this. 

And as for Vicky Momberg, I speak freely to you here. You got what you deserved, as a relic of the past, you deserve to be left in the past. You were denied bail because your words are dangerous, making you inherently dangerous. Have a good time in incarceration, let’s see where your melanin deficient skin gets you. And, when you do get out - I hope you are reformed. I hope that you think twice before you ever use that disgusting inflammatory word again. And if you do, you will be right back where you started.

White women, let’s check ourselves. As a group of people who have experienced oppression, let us align ourselves with those whose oppression is far greater than our own. Pass the mic and move forward. History has its eyes on you. 

-Mila Brkic

Keeping White People Comfortable

The Art of Keeping Up With White People 

It is a fine art, keeping white people happy and comfortable. Not everyone can master it, so I've set up the following rules for you: 

1. Deny everything that mentions any form of white supremacy 
2. Don't speak about hair. Dear lord, don't speak about hair. 
3. And please, please don't bring up slavery. Ever.

If you follow each point, you can succeed in keeping a white person comfortable. Now, let's discuss why we shouldn't do that. 

As a white person myself, I can sense my privelege in my every day life and no matter what I expose myself to, I will never face nor even imagine facing the pain that POC go through on a daily basis. But, what I can do is try to get through to my white counterparts. 

Firstly, POC owe you nothing! A common rhetoric amongst white people involves the idea that people of colour are supposed to educate you on why your behaviour is wrong but that's completely and utterly inaccurate. People of colour shouldn't have to list out reasons for you not to be racist or describe how you using the n-word is demeaning. Please refer to literature and the internet for your "education", people of colour are not your reference book. 

Secondly, acknowledge the past and how you benefit from it. Please stop telling people of colour to "get over" their experiences of segregation, racism etc. Yes, your grandfather may have fled Lithuania in 1979 and yes, you may have to apply for financial aid to go to university but you are still privileged. Pretending like slavery and institutionalised racism aren't real doesn't really help anything. You just sound like your main goal is to keep yourself, as a white person, happy and blissfully unaware of the hardships your ancestors caused (which is probably accurate). 

Thirdly, stop with the micro-aggressions. Yes, Daniel we know that Thando has hair that's different from yours but you really shouldn't touch it or ask to touch it. That's weird and you probably wouldn't appreciate it if Lewis from your rugby team asked to touch your hair. Please stop saying you're "colour blind", we know that's not true. Start working on how you deal with race rather than denying its existence. And for God's sake, stop telling articulate people that they "talk white". Do you even hear yourself? Come on Jeff, that comment comes from your belief that the only white people can verbally express themselves. Hm, I thought you said you were "colour blind"? Nice try though. 

Lastly, stop saying you have black friends! People of colour are not tokens that you can pull out when you are being problematic. Seriously, stop it. It's offensive and dehumanising. Not to mention, it's incredibly embarrassing for everyone involved in the conversation. That's why you didn't get invited to Claude's party, Johan. 

In conclusion, white comfort is not more important that the rights of people of colour. Your bubble of denial is actually harming the world you live in. 

(And to my white readers in South Africa, being a "born free" doesn't excuse you from being racist. It actually means that you have the power and the means to end systemic racism and to try and fix the problems of the past without making it all about you!) 

The path to equality is rough, we all make mistakes along the way. But, you need to acknowledge those mistakes if you ever want to move forward. Nothing good ever comes from denial. 

Think of the past as a history book - learn from it and refer to it. Don't assume it's a work of fiction and then fail the exam and start to blame the author for your mistakes. 

- Mila 

Xx 

*Note - Yes, I know - "not all white people". But in this case, YES all white people, thanks. 

Racism Is Not Dead

An ideology remains alive long after it is illegalised. Legislation does not cure people of their prejudice and truth and reconciliation does not breed forgiveness and consciousness. 

Is that a difficult concept for people to understand? Is it so unearthingly hard for folks to realise that centuries of hatred and oppression do not disappear after a day of democracy? 

Nor should it, quite frankly. It seems as though recognition and discussion has become more fuelled by white guilt than it has by any serious societal adjustment. Let's put this into context: 

1.  Germany post-Hitler 
2. South Africa post-Apartheid
3. America post-Jim Crow Laws 

With regards to Germany, Nazism was outlawed after the end of the war and Germany launched educational reforms in order to discuss the genocide occurring at the hands of the Nazis and their allies. Yet, today, in 2017, people are seen brandishing Nazi flags in protest of refugees. In spite of the entire country trying to move forward and recognise the cruelty of the people living in that country, in spite of the Nazis being charged with war crimes and put on trial - these prejudiced motherfuckers still exist and they continue their lives with their disgusting hate fuelled ideas. 

In South Africa, when Apartheid was outlawed and Nelson Mandela was elected as the first democratically elected President of this new South Africa, some people believed that it was all over. With the help of Desmond Tutu, the Truth & Reconcilliation Comission was set up, it involved people of colour and white people discussing their pain that occurred throughout the apartheid era. It was designed to be a noble attempt at moving forward. Instead, it was turned into a government program that focused more on white guilt than it did on the institutions of discrimination built up over centuries. Today, even though our constitution is sovereign and inclusive and that apartheid is no longer in place, there is a continued systemic oppression of people of colour. Yet, white people believe it's all over and reject that white privilege exists. 

America was de-segregated in the 1960s. From the 1960s, white folk have been silencing black stories because they believe that's it's all over and that suddenly years of pain, oppression and suffering would diminish to exist and that black people would simply, "move on". Yet, police forces still kill unarmed people of colour and black people are still screwed over by the justice system, as if civil rights were never won at all. As previously mentioned, legislation does not cure prejudice. 

I end this post by repeating this notion, legislation does not change ideology. Outlawing racism does not end racism. And the sooner white people stop crying their white tears and acknowledge their privilege, the sooner we can create a free and equal society. 

-Mila Brkic 

*note - yes, I know "not all white people", go fuck yourself :) 

Check your privilege!

Hello people of the internet, I am back from my two month absence & I am very pleased to be writing about this topic today. 

"When you are in a position of privilege, equality seems like oppression"

As most of you have gathered by now, I am obviously leaning towards the left side of the political spectrum (and by leaning towards I mean, being unchangeably, unapologetically a democrat). 

I am a white woman, I recognise my privilege in society. I understand that although I still suffer from misogyny & biphobia, I am still white and that puts me in a position of power. Will I use my privilege to help people of colour? You bet your bottom dollar I will. But how come so many people (mainly white men) are uncomfortable with discussing this? 

Whenever someone brings up an injustice, I can guarantee you that at least one person will say something to try invalidate that statement. For example, "Black Lives Matter!" will be said and some ignorant fool will say "No Mila, ALL lives matter!". Yes? I know? That is the issue. Although ALL lives do matter, BLACK lives are the ones in danger, BLACK lives are the ones suffering and to undervalue that oppression is an unspeakable insult. When you are busy trying to include all people into your argument, you fail to realise that this false inclusivity is actually hurting the group of people who were trying to overcome these challenges in the first place. You are not being liberal or fair, you are essentially saying, "your movement only matters if it helps me in some way or doesn't make me uncomfortable". You are using your voice to silence someone else's in the hopes that you won't have to step out of your comfort zone surrounded in privilege. 

Now, I understand it may be difficult for some people. The common argument being, for example, "But I wasn't even alive during the Civil Rights Movement!". Yes, we know Aaron, you were born in the 90s. Unfortunately you still benefit from the system, set in place solely to oppress groups of people. 

The rise of women doesn't mean the fall of men. Pro-Black doesn't mean Anti-White. And you know what, to be perfectly honest with you, I am tired of saying that. If you genuinely believe that someone having the same rights as you is a bad thing, then I suggest you find a time machine and go back to '50s because you'll fit right it. 

And remember, to my fellow white allies, POC, WOC, members of the LGBTQI+ community, immigrants, Muslims etc, RISE UP! Speak out! Together we can change the world, one person at a time. I know it's challenging right now and in the current political climate, I can understand if you don't want to be vocal about these issues. Remember, you are valid and your experiences are valid. Rise up my brothers & sisters! 

Xoxo

Mila