Okay, if you haven’t seen this or a similar document or list, I strongly recommend checking it out:

Culture is powerful precisely because it is so present and at the same time so very difficult to name or identify. The characteristics listed below are damaging because they are used as norms and standards without being pro-actively named or chosen by the group. They are damaging because they promote white supremacy thinking. They are damaging to both people of color and to white people. Organizations that are people of color-led or a majority people of color can also demonstrate many damaging characteristics of white supremacy culture.

The Characteristics of White Supremacy Culture

And as my last job was a majority POC org, I will certainly attest to the veracity of the last bit of the quote above.

What I really appreciate about the source linked is that for each characteristic, there are “antidotes” which are recommended. I just had a 1-on-1 call with someone last night and brought this up, and so wanted to make sure others also had eyes on this.

I think the thing for me, as it relates to one of the values I had shared in a previous post, is that it very much relates to the “abundance” vs “deficit” mindset. Most of the antidotes require time and energy. And I believe our collective perceived and actual lack of time and energy is a major factor is what allows oppression in general, and white supremacy specifically, to thrive.

And, as with everything, all of this is intersectional. Many of the characteristics named and described show up across multiple identities, not just race. So I encourage folx to check it out, and feel free to share thoughts about any that are particularly resonant for you in the comments.