Book cover of Me and White Supremacy by Layla Saad

Layla Saad

Me and White Supremacy Summary

Reading time icon11 min readRating icon4.3 (29,636 ratings)

“White supremacy is not just about obvious displays of hate, but about the systemic power structures that privilege white people at every level of society.”

1. White Supremacy Extends Beyond Extremism

White supremacy isn't confined to groups like Neo-Nazis or white extremists; it’s ingrained in societal structures that favor white people at every level. These advantages are often so normalized that white people don’t even realize they’re benefiting.

For example, white people are more likely to see their race reflected positively in history books, find products that cater to their cultural needs, or obtain legal and medical support without fear of racial bias. Even the simple act of not having to warn children about racial dangers highlights privilege.

The systemic nature of white supremacy also affects how people of all races perceive themselves. The 1940s experiment by Kenneth and Mamie Clark, where Black children preferred white dolls, and its 2010 replication showing similar results, underscores how deeply rooted societal beliefs can shape self-worth and racial ideals.

Examples

  • History lessons often emphasize white perspectives while downplaying BIPOC contributions.
  • Black families must have "the talk" about surviving racial encounters, contrasting starkly with white experiences.
  • Children often internalize racial biases from a young age, favoring white imagery even when it harms their self-image.

2. The Myth of White Exceptionalism

Many white people claim “I’m not like others” when it comes to racism. But even those who consider themselves progressive or “one of the good ones” are benefitting from systemic racial privilege. This belief in their exceptionality allows people to overlook their complicity in perpetuating white supremacy.

White exceptionalism includes defensive claims like “I have Black friends” or “I’m not a racist.” While these statements might indicate someone sees themselves as aware, it misses the point. Anti-racism is about dismantling entire systems, not individual morality.

When challenged, white people often respond with white fragility, a defensive reaction that shifts the focus onto their discomfort rather than listening to BIPOC perspectives. This response undermines progress and keeps the system intact.

Examples

  • Voting for a Black politician like Obama is used as a way to “prove” anti-racism, though systemic issues persist beneath the surface.
  • White fragility leads to denial and avoidance rather than meaningful work on internal biases.
  • Dismissing personal responsibility in the fight against racism undercuts the efforts needed for real change.

3. Harmful Stereotypes Shape White Perceptions of BIPOC

Racial stereotypes perpetuate harmful assumptions and dehumanize BIPOC. Even when unintentional, these biases shape how BIPOC are treated in conversations, media, and daily interactions.

Tone policing, for example, happens when white people criticize how BIPOC express their feelings about racism. A BIPOC person who speaks passionately might be labeled angry, while someone who talks softly may be patronized. This expectation invalidates emotional responses, even when discussing trauma.

Popular culture also enforces stereotypes about BIPOC as being poor, uneducated, or dangerous. These perceptions are hard to break and subtly reinforce white dominance by devaluing other races.

Examples

  • Serena Williams faced discipline for her tone in a tennis match where white players committing similar behavior went unpenalized.
  • Hollywood often limits BIPOC actors to token or stereotypical roles.
  • Exoticizing nonwhite cultures while ignoring their struggles is a common theme in fashion, music, and film.

4. Anti-Blackness Has Distinctive Impacts

Anti-Blackness manifests in forms that uniquely harm Black individuals. Black women are cast as “strong” yet often denied the same empathy or resources as white women. Black men face criminalization and negative assumptions about their intelligence or motives.

Black children experience adultification, where they are treated as older and less innocent. This leads to harsh punishments or a lack of developmental support. Tamir Rice, a 12-year-old, was fatally shot by police while holding a toy gun, a tragedy rooted in these stereotypes.

Even in feminist circles, Black women often find their racial identity ignored. Mainstream, white-centered feminism doesn’t address the combined layers of racism and sexism Black women endure.

Examples

  • Black women are three to four times more likely to die in childbirth due to racial disparities in healthcare.
  • White feminism often dismisses the unique struggles of women of color, focusing only on gender issues.
  • Stereotypes harm opportunities for young Black individuals in schools or workplaces.

5. Superficial Approaches Fail to Combat Racism

Being “color blind” may seem progressive, but it invalidates the real experiences of people who face racial discrimination. Ignoring race minimizes their struggles and maintains the status quo.

Similarly, tokenism—adding a single person of color to checks a diversity box—is superficial and self-serving. It serves as an excuse for companies or individuals not to engage deeper with anti-racism.

White saviorism, such as volunteer trips to developing countries, serves white egos rather than addressing long-term systemic issues. The narrative often places white people as heroes instead of focusing on empowering local communities.

Examples

  • Schools hiring one Black teacher to advertise diversity instead of building inclusive policies.
  • Films like The Help portray white characters as saviors for oppressed BIPOC.
  • Voluntourism often disrupts local economies without real long-term contributions.

6. Allyship Requires Deep Commitment

True allyship goes far beyond hashtags or posting online. It is about consistent, meaningful action and understanding your place within white supremacy. Allyship requires humility and a willingness to learn from mistakes.

Being an ally means accommodating challenges, even when you're called out for making errors. Instead of becoming defensive, acknowledge and correct harmful words or actions. Remember that progress isn’t about you, but the struggles of BIPOC.

Avoid optical allyship, where actions are performative rather than deeply committed. True allyship means actively working toward creating equitable environments, both professionally and personally.

Examples

  • Someone being corrected for a harmful statement in public should reflect and adapt rather than retaliate.
  • Consistently supporting BIPOC businesses and events as part of daily life.
  • Speaking out against systemic injustice during workplace meetings or casual conversations.

7. Understanding and Undermining White-Centeredness

Whiteness often occupies the central focus in discussions of race, even in anti-racism efforts. Letting go of white-centeredness means stepping back to make space for BIPOC voices.

White-centeredness manifests in how BIPOC are expected to adapt to white norms, from workplace behavior to dialogue styles. Shifting this narrative requires creating opportunities for BIPOC leadership and elevating their stories authentically.

Questioning traditional systems and power dynamics helps break this cycle. White people must decenter themselves to advance meaningful change.

Examples

  • Allowing BIPOC colleagues leadership opportunities without interference.
  • Amplifying authors, thinkers, and creators of color rather than appropriating their ideas.
  • Reframing workplace diversity goals to empower minority groups directly.

8. Anti-Racism Is Ongoing Work

Being anti-racist isn’t something you master and move on from—it’s a lifetime commitment. Every person benefits from different levels of privilege, and addressing this requires constant self-awareness.

Educating yourself, and others, while challenging complacency is key. Avoid exhaustion or giving up when change feels slow; remember, dismantling systemic oppression is a long-term process.

This journey often involves letting go of comfort. For example, speaking up in tough situations or making space for BIPOC in areas you previously occupied showcases dedication to allyship.

Examples

  • Consistently learning through books, podcasts, and workshops about racial equity.
  • Thoughtfully engaging in discussions with family members holding prejudiced views.
  • Showing up for protests and contributing to causes both financially and socially.

9. Confronting Privileges and Taking Meaningful Action

White people must recognize their privileges and consciously work to forfeit or share them. These actions won’t dismantle white supremacy overnight, but they demonstrate solidarity.

Actions like supporting BIPOC businesses, attending marches, or donating to causes actively work against white dominance. Letting marginalized individuals take space in conversations or workplaces further disrupts cycles of privilege.

Create a personal anti-racism plan with measurable steps. This helps ensure your efforts sustain over time rather than being momentary reactions.

Examples

  • Redirecting a job opportunity toward a qualified BIPOC candidate.
  • Writing letters to local governments supporting anti-racist policies.
  • Volunteering time with organizations focused on racial justice.

Takeaways

  1. Commit time weekly to educate yourself on anti-racism, using resources like books, podcasts, and documentaries.
  2. Make a concrete plan to call out racism and privilege in your workplace and personal life, finding ways to act consistently.
  3. Regularly support BIPOC communities, whether through financial contributions, mentorship, or amplifying their initiatives.

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