Women of Color Are Sharing Shocking Moments of Being Silenced in Solidarity With Senator Kamala Harris
Democratic Senator Kamala Harris knows a thing or two about dealing with being talked over. In the last two weeks alone, the politician was spoken over or cut off men twice during hearings at the Capitol. This week, women of color are sharing their moments of being interrupted, talked over, and mansplained to in solidarity with the senator’s frustrating moments. Along the way, they’re providing non-WOC with a teachable moment on how to help combat discrimination.
Inspired by CNN reporter Tanzina Vega, who first shared her own story of being silenced, many women added their (often appalling) moments of being made to feel less than, unimportant or wrong.
WOC understand what Kamala Harris is dealing with. Raise your hand if you've been shushed, silenced, scolded etc.
— Tanzina Vega (@tanzinavega) June 13, 2017
But I've learned that even when I don't say anything, I'm still labeled an #AngryBlackWoman. "You should smile more."
— Nyasha Junior (@NyashaJunior) June 13, 2017
— Karen Attiah (@KarenAttiah) June 13, 2017
I like when people imply that me speaking my opinion firmly is "silencing" & "divisive," but they do the same & call it "passion." #not 😞
— Rukhmani K. Desai (@RukhDesai) June 14, 2017
If I say it then it has no value. A white male says it and everyone reacts.
— Brandi R. Suttles (@brsuttles) June 13, 2017
With Vega’s call to arms, some white women also chimed in to point out that this behavior is experienced by white women too. While that’s certainly true, it’s important to listen to and respect the stories shared by women of color when understanding nuances in the silencing they face. It’s also critical to remember that WOC often deal with a double dose of discrimination: being women and being non-white.
Nodding heads in agreement, giving space to WOC to voice their truths, and amplifying WOC voices are some great ways to help end this discrimination. It’s imperative that WOC have the platform to speak.
Have you ever faced workplace discrimination based on your race? Tell us @BritandCo!
(h/t Popsugar; photo via Michael Kovac/Getty)