This means doing your own research and building authentic relationships with Black people. For nearly two hours we talked; thinking through different elements of the writing, the movement, and what it looks like to stand in accountable solidarity with BLM as a wealthy white cis-gender male with a wide music platform. Their work and visibility goes far in recognizing that genuine social movements are radically inclusive, and that dismantling patriarchy is essential to our collective liberation. '", Your silence is a luxury, hip-hop is not a luxury, [Click here to learn more about the making of "White Privilege II"]. When Ben and Ryan asked me to come in and talk about what they were working on, and as I began to understand the content, scope and gravity of the statement they were attempting to make, my first thought was, "What's the intention?" As a company (Macklemore & Ryan Lewis LLC), we are committed to a long-term investment of our time, resources, finances and creative capacities towards supporting black-led organizing and anti-racist education & discourse. European colonialism, involving some of the earliest significant contacts of Europeans with indigenous peoples, was crucial in the foundation and development of white privilege. These mechanisms, and our willingness to accept or feel congratulated within them, fractions our potential to mobilize and create collective social progress. The way out is through. I think about the tragedy in South Carolina where Dylan Roof killed nine black people as they worshipped in their church. What have the artists said about the song? Within that beauty is joy, love, inspiration and creative possibility in all of one's endeavors. Lastly, I would urge all white people who seek to step into the movement for racial justice to wrestle with a critical existential question: how does your liberation come from dismantling structural racism? Jamila Woods, 27,424 Shazams, featuring on Macklemore Essentials, and Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Essentials Apple Music playlists. I hope that the next time their Facebook feeds fill up with reports of the next unarmed black person shot down in the street by those who are supposed to be our protectors, they remember some of the words of this song. We recognize that there are no easy answers, any one piece of legislation, or quick fix to undo institutional racism in our country. We have allowed racism to divide and separate us. "So, they feel that the police are discriminating against the... the black people? I always approach writing from a place of love, not a passive love but an active love – an I’m-gonna-tell-you-when-you’re-messing-up-because-I-love-you kinda love. I hope that this song encourages white people to talk about race in a way that is not defensive or personal but instead honest, critical and constructive. I believe this piece models one way to navigate through this work, and is certainly a document of our discourse. His blatantly racist beliefs motivated him to kill in cold blood, yet I also recognize that Roof had bought into a common ideology in this country:  blaming individuals for our problems, not systems and institutions. — (What are you doing here?) As a black member of hip-hop culture, I had (and in some ways still have) my reservations. Recommended reading: / Should I even be here marching?" — ('Black Lives Matter, Black Lives Matter, Black Lives Matter, Black Lives Matter.') Understand both the fallacy and real effects of "whiteness". We pushed through it even when it was uncomfortable, exhausting, or evoked self-doubt. We have lost sight of the cost of our power and privilege and have needed to be reminded that Black Lives Matter – for the sake of our own humanity. 2020-05-04T13:06:19Z Buy White Privilege II (feat. White supremacy isn't just a white dude in Idaho White supremacy protects the privilege I hold White supremacy is the soil, the foundation, the cement and the flag that flies outside of my home White supremacy is our country's lineage, designed for us to be indifferent My success is the product of the same system that let off Darren Wilson. I am driven as an artist to celebrate people, creating experiences where people can find magic within the mundane. How to Love this Queer Body of Color: An Unapology, People's Institute for Survival and Beyond, Youth Undoing Institutional Racism & Freedom School. Talk to your family and friends about white privilege. Imagine if we all did something. What are you willing to sacrifice to create a more just society? I am excited to continue work in my career focused on how women of color gather to center our experiences and have sustained support to create innovative work that holds focus. The song, a sequel to Macklemore's solo song White Privilege from his first album The Language of My World (2005), discusses white privilege and the social movement I hope it gets people talking about the right things in a creative way. I think white people who want to take positive action should start to asset map. Injustice anywhere is still injustice everywhere. I wanted to do what I could to get this message out in a way that was the most constructive but also the most musically interesting. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - White Privilege II. Our confusion leads to complacency, which leads to inaction. Share humanizing experiences. We wish to support direct organizing and be led by the expertise and experience of those on the front lines as we proceed. Silence is Betrayal. Recommended reading: The Fire Next Time, by James Baldwin. How can you utilize your assets to create real impact for Black liberation? ", You've exploited and stolen the music, the moment, Fake and so plastic, you've heisted the magic, You've taken the drums and the accent you rapped in, Go buy a big-ass lawn, go with your big-ass house, You can join the march, protest, scream and shout, You said publicly, "Rest in peace, Mike Brown". While it’s important to individually acknowledge that one has benefitted from white privilege, I believe we only pose a challenge to power structures when we find ways to act collectively. Human Rights Watch. It is something that is pervasive throughout society and exists in all of the major systems and institutions that operate in society, as well as on an interpersonal level. No matter how much you hate mackelmore for his music or personality, you have to admit this is an amazing song with so much truth to it. Recommended reading: A People’s History of the United States, by Howard Zinn. Chicago-based vocalist and award-winning poet; associate artistic director of Young Chicago Authors, Poet, songwriter, community advocate, and vocalist in The Flavr Blue, Seattle-based educator, reader, writer, Rakim fan, Trumpet player, composer, writer, stand-up comic and theatrical director, Seattle-based anti-racist organizer, activist, creative, performance poet, musician, teaching artist, and lawyer, Core-trainer with The Peoples Institute for Survival and Beyond and director of the Community Justice program with The American Friends Service Committee, Bassist, composer, arranger, orchestrator, philosopher, Facebook rabble-rouser, and writer, Anti-racist white organizer with the People's Institute for Survival and Beyond, Seattle European Dissent and the Black Prisoners Caucus. That’s how I feel about my relationship to my white audience. I feel that the beauty we experience through a piece of music is our own beauty reflected. Print. The struggle for Asian-American rights and representation in this country was and continues to be significantly informed by the black liberation movement. It doesn’t matter what color your skin is, we need more voices against hatred and inequality. Ultimately, this song is birthed out of black struggle to break free from oppression and white supremacy. Hollis, Ben and I talked for nearly three hours about BLM, Seattle, hip-hop, intersectionality, and ending white supremacy. The song, though very much from Ben’s particular point of view, reflects many of the A collab with Kendrick lamar and Macklemore would make my 2016. Also included is one message from May 2009 and one from August 2010. Whether you know it or not, we’ve been living in a country that grants us an advantage because of the color of our white skin. But it’s not easier on the whole, because injustice affects all of us, whether we know it or not, whether we acknowledge it or not. One’s racial designation impacts every aspect of one's life: projected health, life expectancy, economic opportunity, likelihood of incarceration, and the ability to accumulate wealth. "Probably shouldn't be here, you have white supremacy, don't fuckin' come here. However, just listening to a song is not enough. Macklemore and Ryan Lewis' White Privilege II has attracted major attention across social media and people are falling on both sides of the fence in their reactions. Addressing cultural appropriation and white supremacy is a messy process, no one can do it perfectly, and it's definitely easier for white people to not do it at all, but it's necessary for the livelihood of black artists and the integrity of white ones. On paper. It is necessary for white consumers of hip-hop to understand it as a socio-political movement, and to embrace the opportunities and responsibilities that come along with engaging in hip-hop culture. That’s not an opinion or a political position. It continues with deep self-examination of what we have internalized in this white supremacist society and how denial and confusion helps keep racism in place. Are you marching for freedom, or when it’s convenient?”. The song sets a tone and intention to not only challenge whiteness but to also work and study collaboratively, to be held accountable. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - White Privilege II (Letras y canción para escuchar) - Pulled into the parking lot, parked it / Zipped up my parka, joined the procession of marchers / In my head like / "Is this awkward, should I even be here Throughout this session we wrestled with dynamics of systemic poverty, the historical construction of race and racism in the United States, contemporary manifestations of structural and systemic racism, internalized racial oppression and anti-racist organizing. Thinking if they can't, how can I breathe? Before discrimination in public forums was made illegal with the Civil Rights Act of 1964, writers interpreted and connected white privilege with blatant pub-lic acts of discrimination perpetuated and protected by governmental regulations. White supremacy is our country's lineage, designed for us to be indifferent. Find album reviews, stream songs, credits and award information for White Privilege II - Macklemore & Ryan Lewis on AllMusic White privilege is a paradigm of how the world works in a particular way, however, that way has shifted. I thought “racists” were people who made bigoted comments or acted on discriminatory beliefs. The best thing white people can do is talk to each other, having those very difficult, very painful conversations with your parents, with your family members. In dialogue with our community partners and advisers, we will continue to find ways in which we can leverage our platform and network towards strengthening the work of organizers and initiatives framed by genuine racial and social equity. Stonewall “White privilege is the unquestioned and unearned set of advantages, entitlements benefits and choices bestowed on people solely because they are white. A month later Ben asked if he could spit some bars for me. Mackelmore you really came through qith this one. White Privilege Ii Key B B. Email. I believe that art, at its root, is about creating connection and the confrontation of what hinders or obstructs connection. Macklemore’s "White Privilege II" Is a Mess, But We Should Talk About It kris ex takes a hard look at the confounding new Macklemore song, "White Privilege II." "White Privilege II" is a song by American hip hop duo Macklemore & Ryan Lewis from their second album This Unruly Mess I've Made (2016). Amnesty International. It also means talking to other white people – your family, friends, and networks – about these issues. Growing up in Cleveland, Ohio in the 1970’s, I thought racism was one person hating another person based on their race. Doing nothing changes nothing. The idea of “whiteness” is rooted in settler colonialism and slavery. We recognize that there are no easy answers, any one piece of legislation, or quick fix to undo institutional racism in our country. It’s easier. Its crazy to come onto rap genius and see the the whole community here (black, white or whatever) supporting this song and understanding the importance of this message. As a company (Macklemore & Ryan Lewis LLC), we are committed to a long-term investment of our time, resources, finances and creative capacities towards supporting black-led organizing and anti-racist education & discourse. Rather, it is opportunity for an important and necessary dialogue. In the winter of 2014, after the non-indictment of Darren Wilson, Hollis Wong-Wear hit me up saying, “Macklemore (Ben) would like to meet with you (and other BLM activists/organizers) about the Black Lives Matter movement in Seattle.” My initial reaction was, “Why?” Like many black members of the hip-hop community I have a rather critical analysis of Macklemore and white supremacy in hip-hop—an art form and culture birthed out of the struggles and ingenuity of black people. Strikingly, I have never heard a white artist of any genre speak so directly to America’s inability to face up to and eventually end the plague of white supremacy. I also hope that it will challenge other "white" artists to engage the questions deeply. Pulled into the parking lot, parked it Zipped up my parka, joined the procession of marchers In my head like "Is this awkward, should I even be here marching? You can’t be my ally but you can be my partner in the struggle to create a racially equitable society. I hope that many kinds of people enjoy it, but this song was made for white people, and I hope that white people listen to it carefully. I'm not prejudiced, I just... — 99% of the time, across this country, the police are doing their job properly. It’s a fact. XP, one of the song’s writers, told Genius that the song came from conversations had among Macklemore, Ryan Lewis, Jamila Woods, Nikkita Oliver, and Hollis Wong-Wear. Racism does not start in the hearts of bad people; racism is taught and affirmed throughout our lives. Yet as I got to know Ben and his team it was his/their humanity that convinced, and continues to encourage, me to be a part of this process. I am the father of two teenage girls and I would like to do what I can to make the world a little bit better for them. Only separated by a badge, a baton, a can of Mace, a mask, In case somebody dies behind a bullet that flies out of the 9, Blood in the streets, no justice, no peace. The questions I hope that each listener, in particular white listeners, will leave with are the questions that guided this collaboration: Where is your heart? — Wow. Why work on a track about white supremacy and Black Lives Matter with Macklemore? You have to listen to the needs of Black people in your community and in organizing spaces. It is not a song to be celebrated. — You should not have done that. That’s how James Baldwin talks about his relationship to America. Academics, such as Charles V. Hamilton, have explored how modern-era European-organized slavery, beginning with Portugal in the 15th century and culminating in the British Empire and slavery in the United States, began a centuries-long progression of white privilege, and non-white subjugation. So, only minutes later, when they played for me the work-in-progress demo of the piece and I heard them asking themselves that same question, in plain English, out loud, on the track, I knew I wanted to work on this. Can’t wait for the album! Together we are working through what it means to have accountable solidarity in community and in hip-hop. Recommended reading: The Autobiography of Malcom X, as told to Alex Haley. I was honestly wary at first because of what it sounds like: “Macklemore doing a song about Black Lives Matter...” When you hear that for the first time, it’s only natural to give it a side eye. We are also at a crucial moment where it’s very important for Asian-Americans to identify and defy the pervasive anti-blackness that is frequently embedded in our families and communities. Sociologist Bob Blaunerhas proposed that thi… Tweet. It’s not new. This is a sequel to "White Privilege," a track that appeared on Macklemore's 2005 solo album The Language of My World.The song finds the rapper rhyming for nine minutes about a variety of issues concerning racial tensions and engaging with the black community. I was recently featured on This American Life and the musical I wrote, directed, and star in, NOW I'M FINE, just had its New York debut at the Public Theater in January of 2016. You speak about equality, but do you really mean it? I believe people who have been categorized and socialized as white have an important role to play in undoing structural racism. ", Damn, a lot of opinions, a lot of confusion, a lot of resentment, I've heard that silences are action and God knows that I've been passive, I can book a whole tour, sell out the tickets, But the one thing the American dream fails to mention, My skin matches the hero, likeness, the image, America feels safe with my music in their systems, And it suited me perfect, the role, I fulfilled it, White supremacy isn't just a white dude in Idaho, My success is the product of the same system that let off Darren Wilson – guilty, We wanna dress like, walk like, talk like, dance like, yet we just stand by. By kris e x I think one of the critical questions for white people in this society is, 'What are you willing to risk? Just let it go, man. Attend an Undoing Racism training or Freedom School in your city, financially support the Black Lives Matter movement in your community or research and join a collective of white people seeking to organize against racism in your region. I come from a spoken word background, raised by the community of Youth Speaks, where art and social change are extensions of each other, and where the power of collective voice is visceral. Jamila Woods) More tracks like White Privilege II … MACKLEMORE & RYAN LEWIS FEAT. The famous “model minority” social construct is a consequence of anti-blackness. I found the song to be a sober and sincere reflection of Ben’s commitment to wrestle with the complexities and contradictions of being a white artist in a Black cultural art form born out of resistance to racism. ‘White Privilege’: Part II in a Series of Widely Held Beliefs That Are Either Untrue or Meaningless. See, more people nowadays are just pussies. That is my intention. Most of all, I hope that folks listen to each other. We are engaging with four initial organizations and collectives whose work inspires and informs us: Black Lives Matter, People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond, Youth Undoing Institutional Racism & Freedom School (a project of AFSC and The People’s Institute), and Black Youth Project 100. I love how cinematic this song is! Working with Jamila was a profound joy: her thoughtfulness and creativity made this song immeasurably stronger. I want to move matters to the heart. Especially those who have the ear of so many, as Macklemore currently has. A follow up to the original “White Privilege” released back in 2005, this song analyzes a variety of racial issues from various perspectives, relying on specific references to…. You can’t just have a good intention and run with it. its very clear that the unintelligent masses are on youtube and the passionate music fans who want to make a change are on rap genius. For nearly a year we met off and on—Ben playing me the latest iteration and me critiquing and giving feedback. Jamila Woods) Users who like White Privilege II (feat. Am I in the outside looking in, or am I in the inside looking out? I want racism to end so I will no longer be complicit, and because I believe there is more than enough dignity and resources to go around. White supremacy protects the privilege I hold. For white people, our relative safety and comfort is only possible through the systemic oppression of black people and people of color. Yet, I knew if I truly value the principle “each one teach one,” then I would sit down and have, in the least, a dialogue with Ben. The goal remaining solidarity and accountability—even if that meant the song was never released. 'Cause I'm white? I don't know if anyone in his position has spoken about it in interviews so clearly and candidly. This song was not made for me. It would be through the relationship built during that workshop that I was asked by Ben this fall to weigh in on a new song he was working on around white supremacy and his role as a white artist in hip-hop. The track features Jamila Woods, a poet and singer from Chicago, best known for her hook on “Sunday Candy” by Donnie Trumpet and The Social Experiment. The notion of white privilege stems from the idea that white people have benefited in American history relative to “people of color.” ... 120,000 Japanese Americans were … Sitting in his Cadillac on Broadway I listened to the first iteration of the song. A follow up to the original “White Privilege” released back in 2005, this song analyzes a variety of racial issues from various perspectives, relying on specific references to the contemporary racial and political climate. The process of making this song is a microcosm of how I imagine white people aiding Black liberation struggles. 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