Quote:
Originally posted by sigmadiva
Yes, good point. But, to further the 'flame', the White lady may not be aware of the issues of AA women because she did not grow up with that experience so she can not address the question. For example, I do have Choctaw Indian in my bloodline but I was not raised as an American Indian. So, while I can be sympathetic to what is happening to American Indians I can not 'feel' their issues because I was not raised that way.
I am not suggesting that because a non-Black is interested in our (NPHC) orgs we need to totally adjust our respective programs, but we may need to be more aware that they have an interest; and their background will be different from many of ours.
Maybe, for whatever reason, the White lady wants to become more aware and involved with the issues of AA women and Delta piqued her interest. Or maybe she just saw women who are out there trying to help other women. I've never really seen the type of women-support efforts among NPC orgs as there are among NPHC sororities.
|
Well, IMO, if you are interested in the organization, regardless of your background, I expect you to have done some research about the organization, her mission and focus. Second, although I may not understand the issues confronting other ethnic groups it does not mean I am unaware of some of them. Being White does not mean you cannot know issues confronting AA women, it may mean you do not understand them firsthand but it does not require you to be ignorant of them either. Those NPC women who frequent the NPHC boards on GC would have likely done a fine job of answering that question. because they have chosen to expose themselves to something new.
I cannot speak for other NPHC sororities, but Delta's focus is primarily uplifting and improving the AA community. Even my non-Black sorors know and understand this. The statement as it was reported here was definitely delivered in a way that would get a reaction. If she had just begun with "an issue facing women is..." I am sure the reaction would not have been as strong.
I guess I am of the opinion that people who have no understanding or no idea about the issues faced by others do not know because they choose not to learn, not because the information is not available. That is an explanation, not an excuse. It frustrates me when it is depicted as Black folks' job to educate others who choose not to know.