RoseMorninStar wrote: While she is 'white' many in her family are black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, etc.. but all are AMERICANS. Every bit as much as say, Irish, French, or Ukrainian Americans. There has been an outpouring of support around the world and here in the US for the people of Ukraine and it's plight. There is nothing wrong with that. From her viewpoint, and not incorrectly, at least according to media I've seen here in the US, the outpouring of support and concern far exceeds the concern for people of black, brown, yellow nations who are or who have been in desperate situations and in need of support. Unfortunately there have also been reports of black, Indian, etc.. (ie. people of different skin tones) from within Ukraine struggling to be treated equally.
I do not disagree with your friend, and that's what I was partially trying to say in my original post. White Americans (i.e., European descendants) are still the majority of the population here, last I checked. Our country's culture, media, views, etc. are permeated with this white lens--the same as it is permeated with patriarchy and Christianity. And the Ukraine is also a Christian country. This is another huge reason my evangelical friends have been so caught up in this, besides the end times stuff. These are "fellow believers" being attacked by the "evil communists." (Yes, I see the flaws in these beliefs.)
I'm speaking generally here, of course, and not hopelessly either. I think we're making strides in overcoming these worldviews, but I also do think these worldviews (or their roots) are some of the most persistent and common evils humanity has fought from time immemorial.
However, like I said in my original post, I think there are some other possible causes and explanations for the almost unilateral support for the Ukraine here in the US.
My friend, with whom I generally correspond almost every day sometimes multiple times a day, is currently not speaking to me and I've tried to be as compassionate and honest as I can, but I've fallen short of the mark. I realize people who are oppressed, victims, etc.. do not feel they should have to 'teach' us why we are being ignorantly callous but not everyone has had the same experiences and exposures. It's not always possible to walk a mile in another persons shoes and so we must learn from one another. That is what I'm attempting to do but I am thinking most of us here are from similar backgrounds and don't have insight to the issue.
I'm sorry to hear that, tbh. I don't think it's any random BIPOC's job to explain things to me. I am capable of doing my own research and do. However, I would expect someone who is genuinely a friend to be open to discussions and opportunities to deepen understanding. That's what friendship is about. I hope your friend comes around soon.
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