By Janie Starr

The problem with most discourse on white privilege is that it leads to blame, guilt, punch, counter-punch. I have been reading, writing and speaking about this issue off-and-on for much of a lifetime, but at some point I took a break. That’s one of the perks of my privilege: I can choose to hit the off-switch whenever I become too overwhelmed by racist rantings or simply too preoccupied with other life matters that assail me. My friends and-colleagues of color cannot. Racism is the water they swim in and, at times, drown in, whereas I am free to dip my toe in, or not, at my pleasure.

Last week’s Beachcomber article about the young black man who was accosted shook me deeply and compelled me to engage locally (Sheriff’s office investigates harassment incidents, Aug. 26).  Regardless of how this story unfolds, I urge us all to accept that racism does exist on Vashon, as it exists everywhere else. Only by accepting this reality will we become effective allies and activists. Otherwise, it’s easy for many of us to walk around in the belief that all is well.

Sadly, I have become a collector of stories. An African-American friend was stopped by a police officer for driving-while-black-on-Vashon. The officer told her she didn’t look like someone who lived here. Two Mexican-American young women told me of the discrimination they experienced while students at Vashon High School, from a teacher as well as peers. A farmer talked about the way white women veered away from his dreadlocks and dark skin.

Here’s what I believe: Everyone needs an ally from time to time. Allies are supporters, they have your back. Allies interrupt racist (sexist, homophobic, etc.) jokes and slurs wherever they hear them and they engage their own race and gender in conversations about privilege and action. Allies step out of their comfort zone and take some risks. They do not merely “tsk-tsk” in the safety of their homes. They advocate and offer support when needed. Allies stick their necks out. They witness. They do not take over, speak over, run over the very people they seek to empower. They listen. They also walk alongside.

I asked an African-American student today about the idea of holding a “Black Lives Matter” vigil on Vashon, and he said, “Please, would you?”

My response was, “Yes, let’s do it together.”

We may not all be demonstrators and agitators, stump speakers and sign wavers; some of us are too old to hit the streets; some of us too young. Still, whatever our shtick, our life circumstances, I believe we have something to offer: We are singers and songwriters, visual artists, dancers, musicians and mimes. We are people who care. We are all capable of being allies. Many of us already are.

Follow your heart, use your gifts and talents, your expertise, seek new knowledge, ask how you can help. Tweet, chat, stand in silence, speak at your place of worship and work, talk to your workout buddy, your childcare provider, involve your friends and co-workers in conversations about race. Share information, and, by all means, tell your own story as well. Keep on keeping on, no matter what. And please, include your kids. Find out what they think, what they see and participate in at school. Let them help you if they ask. Mostly, let them be reassured by your own actions.

Let’s do what we do best on Vashon: Come together as a community, welcome newcomers  and be present to one another no matter what.

— Janie Starr is an island activist and writer. Before moving to Vashon she was a diversity/anti-bias trainer in Tacoma.