I’m still mulling over my post about what people can do to help eliminate racism. It’s a good question, but a very involved one. I want to make sure I get it right.

But one thing I do want to discuss is something that comes up regularly in comments here and elsewhere (see this LJ entry* and a subsequent comment* by the original poster for an example). The notion that blogging/writing about/discussing race and racism isn’t actually doing something. It’s… well, I’m not sure what these people think these actions are if not deeds. I guess they feel writing is equivalent to talking and everyone knows that talking about something is different from doing.

Except when it’s not.

When considering what people can do about racism, the first thing that comes to my mind is disseminating information. Educate people who have no clue about privilege, disadvantages, oppression, and subtle racism. Point out their blind spots. Explain your particular experience and views so that others can begin to understand. That, to me, is the place to start from. And if talking qua writing qua educating is not doing something, then what exactly is there to be done? Should I put on a play? Oh wait, that requires writing. How about having a march? Oh no, that requires talking. Fine, how about I just blow something up? That’s the ticket! Explosives for tolerance. Works every time.

Seriously, I am asking all those in the world who feel that blogging/writing/talking/educating isn’t enough or is a waste of time, what should we be doing, instead?

*ETA: the original poster has friendslocked (hidden) the entry in question. The comment I objected to in said post was:  “Blog against racism week. Can’t stand it. Can’t even get up the energy to complain about it” and the later comment was: “Well, do something about racism and then blog about it week would have required Too Much Effort.”