Can you talk about racism/discrimination if you pass as white?

[Mariagatzs12]

I just saw a thread about interracial couples. I'm in one as I'm not white but I rarely think about it because I pass as white and there's so few us that I rarely think of myself as a minority (I'm aware this is an oxymoron).

What is it you want to talk about OP?

It makes it very difficult. You have the weight of the non white parents experience & heritage on you, without having to deal with the outright racism.

Well I've never had any blunt and open discrimination, however I think I have when it comes to jobs as I'm obviously not British (you can't even tell if I'm male or female by my name). Just like some feminists think that men can talk about women's rights, can I talk about discrimination if most people would think I'm white and have the "white privilege"?

You can talk about it, as you have a shared history.

I think anyone can talk about racism and discrimination, but you also have to recognise that you are talking from a relative position of privilege.

Also just want to say that persons of colour “passing” as white, has its own history, and it’s own set of discriminations. I’m not a person of colour, so I hope I’ve phrased this right, but to me, I think you do have the right to talk about it, recognising that your experience may be different.

Do you want to talk about racism in general, or your own experiences of it? Personally, I'd say you're allowed to talk about whatever you want, but keep in mind your opinions won't carry as much weight as someone who has direct experience of the issue at hand, and that empathy is a vital quality to be able to display in any discussion. Don't be cowed into being barred from a discussion....

Plus also, (slightly off-topic) you might like to hear that there may well be quite a few people you think of as white, but are actually just the same as you. That's definitely a selection effect.

Given my experience I think there's plenty of people who look white but actually aren't. Same goes for my mother. My children look like Goldilocks. However, I always remind them that technically they're a minority (at least partially).

In my case OP, my mother is First Nations Canadian. My father is white Canadian (Irish / German). I am a blue eyed brunette. I am not status First Nations and will never claim it, despite the "benefits" because I don't feel I deserve it because I'm not obviously a "red Indian".
Yet, I will always support first Nations rights. It's complicated.

Yes you can, presumably because you can see it when it happens, and know that its not right or fair.

The only thing you cant do I suppose is give a empathise with someone who has experienced it, I guess.

What about positive discrimination? I saw a job as from UNICEF openly saying they'd be more than welcoming to minority applications.

White people can be the subject of racism or xenophobia. I don’t think it’s a question of whether you can discuss racism or not, it’s whether your input is valued/wanted or not.

As you present as white your discrimination will generally not be as intense as someone from a different ethnic background’s experience. So if you discuss racism, just don’t be patronising or speak over anyone else as you don’t necessarily share their experiences.