White Saviorism is a concept so deeply routed into history that it should come as no surprise that it still continues to harm communities today. So many cultures and cities have quite literally been built on the factor of a dominant race offering their support and ‘superior’ ideologies. However, today this concept has manifested into a new practice that can easily go unidentified.
The issue stems from people offering “genuine” support in questioning “how can I help?” It's now this charitable act to be the hero to struggling communities, which are typically BIPOC. The wealthy, white leaders and designers of this world want to offer their support; however, by doing so, end up harming the population in more systemic or cultural ways. It can come in the form of a temporary solution, just as if one was to turn to the doctor for medical support, they get an immediate bandaid but do not fix or understand the underlying issue is deeply routed in their way of life, like living in an area where healthy food is for the rich and crime runs through their neighborhoods. Additionally, when “saviors” impose their resources on a community, they aren’t offering their services from a place of familiarity to the issue or history to the people. It strips them of embracing their culture, allowing their own people to excel, and ultimately end up displacing a group when taken too far.
In the design world specifically, the accepted norms and goals of this industry are almost too far gone. The fundamental basis of the role of an architect is to build and find places where this construction can be done. Thus, they search for locations in that need modernization and deem themselves the hand of God that can offer this. The result is the intrusive, white, futuristic-looking buildings that make you do a double take as their humble surroundings do not seem to match. Likely, the goods it holds will continue to be unaffordable and the people hired will be the fresh faces in the job market with the most impressive resume– though, this leads to a larger issue of systemic racism. In the design world, marketing is our tool for business renovation to become successful. In a similar manner to the builder, the most modern designers offer their input on the trending tactics that will be appealing to the modern user. But really, shouldn't our designs be marketed more towards BIPOC art, model representation, and values if this is the demographic we are looking to “help”. Brands that have used this tactic, like Fenty Beauty founded by Rhianna, a woman of color, have seen tremendous success by expressing these values and directing themselves toward a wider audience. Even if the goal is just success in our current capitalist and consumerist-based world, then we seem to be doing it all wrong. Statistics have shown the impact that inclusive branding has on the public, as BIPOC are twice as likely to purchase something if it is targeted at them, so by considering this data, maybe white saviors' intentions aren’t actually what they are disguised as.
(Graphic of my research)
Ultimately, when I contemplate solutions to this it comes down to a much grander problem of offering authoritative opportunities to people of color who have a system fighting against them in many ways. But if our goal truly is to improve communities, we must consider the people we are working for in ANY department. White saviorism in the business world needs clear reform as it has time after time left communities in even more debt, and left without any say in what is truly happening to them– frankly, they are often tricked into the allure of this ‘helping hand’.
Interesting post hence I've never even heard of saviorism in my life. It is so important for the United States to acknowledge that they do this. I think our country has been doing a great job at making changes in our world so that we acknowledge other races and genders victories. Hearing about other races and genders doing so can influence a lot of other people too! All people are possible of doing great things.
very interesting blogpost! I do believe white saviorism is an issue and should be more talked about. It not only effects our communities but our own cultures. I wonder if we will ever be able to get rid of it completely in the world we are currently living in today. I at least hope healing will be done to all the damages white saviorism has caused.
White saviorism is definitely a huge problem, and one that as you mention, seems to go by unnoticed in today’s mainstream social commentary. It makes me think about Teach for America, and how it is really a way of slapping on a bandaid, to borrow your reference, providing enthusiastic (but also very inexperienced and temporary!!) teachers to school districts that need institutional reform of the district in order to properly support the students, but instead get many savioristic college grads who “want to help the underprivileged” but mostly end up helping their resumes.
Overall, the post was very thought-provoking. One concept that isn't often labeled “white saviors” but should very well be considered is gentrification. Much like you explained in your post, White savriorism affects not only the communities but their cultures as well. Gentrification promises a safer neighborhood and a better school system, meanwhile, the costs are in the fine print. Many neighborhoods such as Boyle Heights have suffered gentrification at the hands of “white saviors” and their actions have caused irreversible damage to the community and indigenous culture. In terms of the post, it was very well written and I enjoyed the tone of voice used throughout the post, not aggressive but informative, good job.
Very well written! I think you made a great point when you described buildings as "intrusive" because it gives us perspective on how it would feel for someone on the outside looking in. Marketing tells us so much about how it feels to be apart of the product/brand...when a new coffee shop or gym opens we imagine what it would be like if we were patrons of these businesses but we rarely look at what these businesses are like for the people who won't be included in them. Oftentimes these establishments intrude on low-income communities while subverting the culture of the people who live there. I think since being an advocate is so "trendy" now that white saviorism has become…