Monday, June 21, 2010

Hate The Smell Of Vanilla Scented Privilege

One of the things that is maddeningly infuriating to transpeople of color when we try to interact in groups dominated by white people is the mischaracterizations that result when we speak our minds.

A POC transperson speaks their mind about a hot button issue du jour, and their critics inevitably hurl the words, 'divisive', 'verbally violent', 'angry' or 'polarizing influences' bull feces at them or whisper it to other white friends behind the POC's back.

Conversely, let a White transperson speak their mind, get mad, vent or say the exact same thing a POC transperson may have just verbalized about the issue, then it's considered 'refreshing honesty'.

Can you smell the vanilla scented double standard and privilege in the air?

Thought you could.

One other thing, I do get sick of hearing the patronizing 'watch your tone' BS. There are times when I write posts or say things critiquing various issues that you may presume I was 'angry', but actually was as calm as President Obama in a meeting with angry Republicans.

When I'm pissed off, you'll know it.

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