The Problematic Potential of White Noise

How unfocused, disorganized virtue signaling can do more harm than good, no matter how well intentioned.

What does it mean to be an ally?

Today, most of my instagram feed is filled with predominantly white people who have posted a solid black image. Many have tagged #blacklivesmatter or #blackouttuesday or #amplifymelanatedvoices. These are influencers and well intended followers of influencers, perpetuating a trend to feel like they’re doing something helpful. I don’t doubt their good intentions. But their intentions do not lie with effective outcome or finding a lasting solution. Their good intentions are to be a part of a big good thing. They do not want be considered one of the outliers, called out for not caring because they chose not to participate. They want to be seen as allies.

Our desire to seem “good” on the outside is outweighing our desire to find out what “good” means within our causes.

This is because too many white Americans believe that it is their job to save Black people, that Black people do not have the ability to speak for themselves and someone must speak for them. It’s like being in a crowded room where everyone is “Shh-”ing each other, making it louder than it had been in the first place. If “allies” stopped yelling over everyone and began to listen, we all might be able to…