I want to talk about the "white savior complex."
Juneteenth is a monumental day in United States history. While slavery has been formally abolished, its remnants still deeply influence our systems (modern slavery practices are a different conversation).
Philanthropy relies on incredibly generous donors and passionate advocates. However, the "white savior complex" is a systemic issue in the nonprofit world.
White Saviorism occurs when a person from a position of privilege, often white, steps in to rescue someone from their situation. Though it may stem from genuine compassion, this practice becomes harmful when it strips those in need of their agency, diminishes their ability to help themselves, and stunts their community’s growth.
This issue isn't confined to white individuals; it can apply to anyone in a position of privilege or power.
Many of us feel an impulsive desire to fix issues we’re passionate about — to be the hero, to swoop in and 'do our part' for society. However, this often stems from a sense of superiority and a desire to be absolved of our own behaviors, whatever those may be.
I believe there is much work to be done in every sector. Philanthropy is key to addressing these issues. For those eager to help, it's crucial to focus on creating self-sufficient solutions. Instead of just fundraising for medical supplies for a community in a developing country, we should aim to help build strong infrastructure so they don't need external aid in the long run. Instead of merely hosting educational workshops for students in underrepresented areas, we should provide them with the tools to sustain their own community’s growth indefinitely.
These are the considerations we must prioritize as we move forward in philanthropy.
#philanthropy #Juneteenth #whitesaviorism