Here in America, February is Black History Month. In the UK, I guess they celebrate Black History month in October. To celebrate the Black History Month, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex sat down for a lengthy conversation with the Evening Standard via Zoom. Meghan wore a body-con asymmetrical top in that shade of brown she loves (and I hate) and apparently the dogs and Archie were off to the side for most of the Zoom call. Some highlights of the conversation:
Harry’s awakening: Harry described his own “awakening” to the lack of opportunities for people from the BAME communities since he met his bi-racial wife. The duke said: “Because I wasn’t aware of so many of the issues and so many of the problems within the UK and also globally as well. I thought I did but I didn’t… You know, when you go in to a shop with your children and you only see white dolls, do you even think: ‘That’s weird, there is not a black doll there?’ And I use that as just one example of where we as white people don’t always have the awareness of what it must be like for someone else of a different coloured skin, of a black skin, to be in the same situation as we are where the world that we know has been created by white people for white people. It is not about pointing the finger, it is not about blame. I will be the first person to say, again, this is about learning. And about how we can make it better. I think it is a really exciting time in British culture and British history, and in world culture. This is a real moment that we should be grasping and actually celebrating. Because no one else has managed to do this before us.”
Meghan on BLM protests: The duchess admitted they had been “inflammatory for a lot of people… But when there is just peaceful protest and when there is the intention of just wanting community and just wanting the recognition of equality, then that is a beautiful thing. While it has been challenging for a lot of people certainly having to make this reckoning of historical significance that has got people to the place that they are, that is uncomfortable for people. We recognise that. It is uncomfortable for us.”
Meghan on life in California: “We are doing well. [Archie] is so good. We are very lucky with our little one. He is just so busy, he is all over the place. He keeps us on our toes. We are just so lucky.”
H&M on structural racism: “For as long as structural racism exists, there will be generations of young people of colour who do not start their lives with the same equality of opportunity as their white peers. And for as long as that continues, untapped potential will never get to be realised.”
On London: Harry said that even in London “celebrated as one of the most diverse cities in the world, if you actually get out on to the streets and talk to people, it doesn’t feel as diverse as it actually is.”
Harry’s awakening, I love it so much. As much as the Piers Morgans of the world try to make “woke” into a pejorative, the truth is that Harry really has been… awakened. Awoke! While I’ll always argue that he was on a path to awakening for years before he met Meghan, I also think he deserves some credit for being so open to growth and learning and awakening in his 30s, and to see and understand the racism his wife was experiencing. Anyway, nothing they say here is controversial in the least, which is how I know that the British tabloids and royal commentators will all be using this interview as further proof that Harry & Meghan need to be “stripped” of their titles and HRH-style and made to live in a cardboard box! HOW DARE THEY!
Photos courtesy of Avalon Red, Backgrid.
Can I get the odds on the same people who said last week that they represent Britain so shouldn’t comment on American voting saying this week that they don’t represent Britain so shouldn’t comment on British racism?
Isn’t it a horrible truth that, in this Era of Trump, we’re getting so used to our heads spinning from the lies, doubling down, and gaslighting It’s become our way of life. Still gives me motion sickness, though.
The Venn diagram is a circle.
LOL… I’ll be back tomorrow for the breakdown on the meltdowns👀🍿.
God bless Kaiser… she goes through trash tabloids so we don’t have to
I think that every day. God Bless Kaiser going through the Crazy so we can stay sane.
Oh, I’m sure that as we speak the words are being written to meet the next deadline and blogs are coming alive with hate filled responses because when H/M says or does anything it’s seen as negative no matter what that thing is. If they said, what a pretty day today, I’m sure the BM would find a way to make that offensive some how.
They’ve already started coming out of the woodwork saying that she’s an American so what does she know about British structural racism. Make it make sense, Lord.
They looked great and love that they haven’t changed their message even with all the criticism thrown at them from some, especially in the UK.
This is really good. Ive heard a lot of similar things from my white friends that its been like an awakening and I’m glad Harry (a person of great privilege) is admitting that there is a privilege and that institutional racism exists, because many in his position deny it or ignore it and continue on.
And Meghan is right when she says the response is what is inflammatory, when someone says “Black lives matter” and we turn that as a negative on them, what does that say about those responding? It says racism, it says ignorance, it says internalized misogyny, it says a lot.
He has used his platform to bring awareness and that feels great, as a young black woman I feel really unseen sometimes because as a black person it can be like shouting into a void. A lose/lose situation.
I liked that Harry said the line about white people creating the world for white people, considering Britain’s history of colonialization. His remarks overall were really good.
Great interview
Piers Morgans eye is twitching like crazy right now.He will never get over her ‘ghosting’ him,he is such a weasel if she would call him and make a truce he would probably accept just to be back ‘in’.
He bullies her because its profitable for him to do that. It also brings him a lot of attention and for a narcissistic sociopath like him, it’s an addictive drug.
Why should she call him and offer a truce? What did she do that she needs to meet him halfway? If anyone should be calling and grovelling it’s Piers.
He is a sociopath. She was smart to ghost him he lives to bully. He and Trump are the same evil kind of troll
He would wet himself and do a complete 180 and cuss out everyone smearing her, that is until the next 180 when he again smears her for not inviting him over enough. These people are all snakes and Harry knows it, which is why he’s kept them at a distance. I bet even when he was having a pint with them in the pub pre-Meghan he was very guarded because they have nothing on him.
Change is for the bully.
The target of emotional violence doesn’t have to do sh*t to appease a odious bully.
Love everything they said. I think Harry’s example of the dolls is spot on and was a good example to use – its something people can relate to, looking at dolls, whether as a parent or as a child. I had a (African American) friend who was pregnant around the time Princess and the Frog came out and she bought SO MUCH princess tiana stuff, because she said she was so happy her daughter was going to grow up without ever having to ask, “why don’t any of the Disney princesses look like me.”
I also like that they worked with the Evening Standard for this, I think it just emphasizes their position that they WILL work with British publications, just not the tabloids.
Love ❤️ that story about your friend
Tiana Is my Disney + avi because she’s the only one I could see myself in😊
When I was a little girl and we still lived in England, which was a while ago, my parents were determined to get me a doll for my second birthday which is just after Christmas. Daddy was given the task of finding a doll for me on Boxing Day. I don’t think they ever considered NOT getting me a Black doll. My poor father had to search all over London to find a Black doll to give to his little girl. He came home late that night, tired and demoralized. But I got my doll. I still have her. They started the search earlier with my younger sister. But it made my father wonder if England was the right place to raise Black children.
Well, they can’t say Harry abandoned them anymore! He’s on the front page talking about racism lmao. This is very pleasing to me. Also, I too, am impressed by Harry’s growth, coming from that family and being raised in that insulated environment, he really had to seek out this information and made a choice to be better. He really could’ve just skated by.
Can I get an AMEN! For Harry to come out of that family with his sanity in tact was a miracle in itself, but to see him GROW and LEARN into such an amazing person with such strength and conviction is a sight to behold.
Oof okay. I’ll probably get pitchforks for this but let’s start with the great: I love Harry for acknowledging not only racism in general but also highlighting his own biases in the past. It’s important people do that, especially white people, when discussing racism. I also love (for petty reasons) that they gave this interview to a British newspaper. The tabloids are going to be having hissy fits for a year now.
Now the not so great: structural/institutional racism is part of the monarchy and the wider aristocracy. We saw it in action when we compare how they treated Kate in comparison to Meghan. And the British monarchy itself basically colonised 90% of the world, plundered natural resources and created societies that still have the effects of said colonisation no matter how many years ago it was. Now none of that is their fault specifically but they do take titles from that same system. We’ve discussed how they will eventually maybe drop their titles but until that happens, they’re still (in some ways) upholding/highlighting/supporting that system. The aristocracy (save for 2 biracial women) is pretty white from Viscount/Viscountess and upwards. The effects of structural racism is still in effect there. Titles themselves still have an element of institutional/structural racism attached.
I hope I’ve explained this well enough – I’m terrible with explaining my thoughts completely.
*By they I do want to add I mostly mean Harry. As I’ve said above, Meghan really doesn’t “benefit” from the system but by virtue of being married to Harry, she still gets titles from said system.
You are right, but they are not giving up any titles. Screw that. 😠
Totally agree. Harry is a Prince by birthright. By tradition he received a peerage on his marriage. Meghan is his wife and therefore shares his titles and status. Archie is his heir and will inherit his peerage. When Charles is King, Harry will move up to 5th in line of succession and Archie will be 6th. This is Archie’s birthright and under current law he will become a Prince when his grandfather is King. It’s almost certain that the title won’t be used but he has royal status and this cannot be removed.
This is what is so difficult for the dailymail hate mob and undoubtedly for some in the royal family. The grandson of a King who is also the grandson of an African American woman who can trace her ancestry back to slaves, is the kind of challenge Harry is talking about. It would be racist to ignore this child’s dual heritage.
I think you explained yourself pretty well. I only see it this way: structural /institutional racism is part of the monarchy and they were the victims of it, especially Meghan. They were not the perpetrators.
If anything, her joining the senior royal family could have shown that such institutionalised racism were weakening and there is space for people of colour in a modern and representative monarchy.
Unfortunately, we have come to see that this is not the case. Racism is alive and well in the monarchy. The family has shown that it either stands firmly behind white supremacy through actively participating in/engineering such malicious acts or at least enables it through indifference, incompetence and complacency.
I agree. Meghan and Archie were absolutely the victims of the structural racism they’re talking about. I haven’t mentioned Harry because at the end of the day, as a white man, he’ll still be “protected” by said system. Not that Harry couldn’t see/feel Meghan’s pain or that Harry can’t call it out (like I said, we need more people to call it out) but as long as he remains a white man, he still benefits. That’s not something he wants or is trying to do but that’s the way the system is set up and works.
You see it yourself in those “come back home and all is forgiven” articles. They don’t mention Meghan but do mention how Harry will be forgiven for… I don’t know, marrying someone not 100% lily white? Idk. There’s also no mention of Archie despite him being 75% white, a future Duke, a possible future Prince by law (even if he’s not called Prince Archie) and has an actual place in the line of succession in his own right. Why? Racism.
I think Myra puts it pretty well. I see your point Sofia, that by keeping their titles they’re participating in a racist system, but I also think it proves just how racist that system is, that it could not accept a black duchess. I also love that they have their titles still because you know it bothers lots of people out there who don’t think a black woman should be a duchess.
Indeed you’re right, Sofia. As much as they are insulting and gaslighting him now, they are still holding out hope that the white prince returns home, minus the wife and child.
Some of those social media sites have spiteful posts that Harry should take Archie from Meghan and go to the UK back his “family.” That is just vicious. If Archie did go back he’d be treated as a second class citizen by William and Kate et al. who would want him to marry someone “appropriate.” Then Archie would be relegated to second class when the “suitable” children with the “suitable” wife arrive. Also Harry would be charged with Kidnapping and his reputation would never recover.
@Becks: I absolutely agree that the system is terrible and as @Myra says they could have shown with Meghan that the BRF/aristocracy isn’t a “whites only” club. But alas…
I agree with you. While other folks have made some good points around here as to why they should keep it (e.g. the BM and RF has already taken enough from them) I personally think they should rid themselves of those titles. They might do so after the ‘review’ next year, but we’ll see how things pan out.
Totally agree. The BRH, and the titled in the UK, are part of the structural problem. While it’s nice that Harry learned about the lack of BAME dolls, as long as he is part of the BRH he is part of the problem.
While I agree with you that classism/titles is part of the structural problem in the UK, Harry can’t just stop being a part of the BRF. Even if he were to give up all his titles and leave the BRF permanently, he will still always be a Prince, still always be Charles & Diana’s son & still always be the Queen’s grandson. He is who he is.
Besides it is better have someone from the “inside” who can tackle the problem head on because he knows the system into which he was born better than anybody else. Slavery wouldn’t have ended on it’s own, white abolitionists and white lawmakers were needed to fight and lobby the very system they were a part of. So let Harry address the hierarchical, racist, classist, sexist system as he sees fit.
yes, he hasn’t yet shared how he’s reconciled his family’s existence with his new awakening and until he does, their message will seem to lack in self awareness. even a bit of meghan’s credibility may be lost to people who can’t understand how a woman who has always understood and experienced these things could see no dissonance in joining a family that is the epitome of structural racism.
I think he’s reconciled it by leaving them and his country. He can’t help that his family exists. Their message is utterly self-aware, if you’ve read anything about what they’re up to, and Meghan’s credibility is not harmed simply because she fell in love with a good man from a bad family.
I think you all underestimate just how much American Black people have been fed the lie that Britain “isn’t racist”. She likely went into this situation thinking better of that family and wider British public/media than they deserved.
So, Meghan doesn’t lose credibility because of who she married, no more than she would for being wealthy (which is used as a disqualifier for when Black celebs/athletes talk about racism/systemic racism). At the end of the day, she is still (half-)Black and experience racism. Her wealthy and spouse didn’t protect her from it.
I agree with you that he has a title that is from a family that has destroyed indigenous cultures around the world, so there is a bit of cognitive dissonance in talking about these issues. But having the conversation is better than not having it at all. I think that as long as he doesn’t act like he has all the answers that is probably the best way to go about this. And the use of the title is likely something they will need to reconsider moving forward. Giving it up would seem like caving in a way, but they could phase out use in the same way they aren’t using the HRH but still have it.
Sofia – agree with everything you say. I would add though that I think it’s possible that Harry will get there. God, that family he was raised in…him even getting it to the extent he does now and talking about it is significant. He was never taught to consider the impact of British colonialism or the fact that systemic racism is a problem. He was taught that his bloodline was ordained by God to rule or some BS. And he certainly seems to have no supporters within his family on this. So, I do think it’s possible he continues to learn and grow and maybe do things like give up those titles and speak out against the history and current implementation of colonialism.
Love is a powerful thing. I’m biracial, husband is white and we have a little one a bit older than Archie. My husband has always been progressive but with everything going on in the US right now (where we live), his eyes are even more wide open. So I have lots of hope for Harry.
Oh he will get there. He’s on the upwards and onwards path and it’s not been an easy one I’m sure. Not only has he not been raised in the family that for generations (and still is in some ways) a centre point for the racism he’s talking about, but also the fact that colonisation and the slave trade isn’t really taught in schools.
I don’t know what they teach in Eton but from my (and other’s) own experiences in non-private schools, the teaching about that topic is weak so to say. But I suppose that’s another topic for another thread.
Good luck to your husband too! Sounds like you’ve got a keeper <3
Have the titles been removed from Andrew, the white pedophile rapist yet?
I see why some want them to give up their titles, but it also makes sense to keep the titles and force the system to recognize it didn’t break them. Until the entire system comes down, why should these two be the ones give up their titles? Simply because it makes the haters happy?
I don’t see Marchioness Emma rushing to give up the title she has via marriage. Nor are Meghan haters (who pretend to be Emma fans), calling for Emma to give up her titles and refuse to be part of the system.
I agree with you Nota.
1000 percent agree. If they want the titles back, let them go to Parliament and strip them. I would be a badass act of defiance to stop using the titles but that is just letting the queen and the establishment off of the hook. No, let them stand before the world and tell us all that HM are unworthy because they celebrated Black History Month and she wore black nail polish. Let them do that while her accused rapist son goes unpunished.
I never said they should give up their titles. On that subject I said that they might give up their titles and if they do based on discussions about this, then it’ll be something.
I, as a fan, don’t care if they choose to voluntarily give up their titles or not. It’s up to them. The BRF won’t try to take them away legally because as I’ve said in the past, it’s no easy feat.
I agree. I think they should keep their titles, if only because of how much it hurts the racists to have to call a Black woman ‘Duchess’ and ‘Princess’.
Harry Windsor was born a Prince. It might be an ugly heritage, but it’s HIS heritage. It sounds to me like he’s been trying to make changes from the inside but now he’s going to do it from the outside. But I don’t think he should have to give up his identity. One day, he’ll be the son of the King of England. That’s who he is.
Sofia, the majority of the western world is based on a white power structure that subjugated people of color. Not just monarchies. Hell, look at corporate America and who are the workers versus who holds the wealth. But does that exempt the white power structure from having input on changing things? We need to have allies because what is the other option, silence? Pretend nothing is happening? That’s what the other royals, and a lot of white people for that matter do.
I literally said in my first paragraph that we need white people to speak up about this. At the end of the day, Harry does benefit from the system no matter what. That’s not his fault but it is what it is.
even as I love what they are doing and hope they continue, I agree and many of my thoughts have already been covered by others. I love a thoughtful and intelligent conversation. thank you.
… just wanted to add to my earlier comment that they are smart and so I think they are aware of issues re the system they are still a part of. It will be interesting to see how they deal with these contradictions as they go forward.
Meghan has benefited from none of that, tho. In fact, it brought her nothing but racial and misogynistic abuse. She went through hell and almost had her life ruined. Harry is another story. But Meghan? No.
I said that Meghan has not benefited. But having a title (linked and steeped in a terrible history – not the Sussex title but the aristocracy in general) in itself is an unequal thing in it’s own right.
I guess the solutions to this problem would be either
1) abolish the monarchy, aristocracy, and all titles because it is an inherently racist institution or
2) open it up to people who are not white
1 may be very hard to do, even if necessary, so maybe they think that in the meantime, 2 is at least doable? And by having one of the most famous examples of a British Royal Duchess being a biracial black woman, maybe they are changing the perception of who can be an aristocrat or royal. And when you change people’s perceptions and thinking, you change what is considered possible, and acceptable?
I see the British aristocracy (even separate from the royal family) as just another illustration of the racism that is inherent in wealth/power and who does and does not and can and cannot have access to it. If we got rid of all the titles, the wealth, land, and estates would still be there and would still be passed on hereditarily from mostly white parents to their mostly white children. The titles are just a “fancy” way of dressing up the wealth and power gap which would still be there without the titles, so I’m not sure what abolishing the titles would do exactly. Maybe you could then get rid of the House of Lords and replace it with something that doesn’t have the automatic built-in barriers that exclude everyone other than those white, wealthy, powerful people who are also titled. Would it help though? In the US, holding a seat in Congress is supposedly meant to be open to any citizen over a certain age, and yet we still mostly get those who are white, wealthy, and powerful enough to spend all their time and other resources campaigning for election. Especially for senators.
It’s sort of a chicken or the egg situation. Which came first: the titles or the institutionalized racism? And can you fix or abolish one without fixing and/or abolishing the other? And which one needs to be fixed or abolished first? And do you fix or abolish?
You’re right that the wealth gap would exist with or without titles. However, women cannot inherit titles in their own right (unless there’s a special clause for it) nor can they get their houses, lands, etc. The aristocracy is also very heterosexual. In order to have a “legitimate” heir to the titles, you need to be married to the person you have a child. Hence, children born through surrogacy cannot inherit the title in their own right. They can be called Lord/Lady/The Hon. but they cannot be the next Duke/Earl/whatever. That means gay men can’t marry other men and can’t have legitimate heirs to their titles. But that’s not what the conversation is about and I’m going on a tangent. At least without a system of titles, people can choose who they leave their assets too. They aren’t forced to give their assets to their sons and their daughters can have an equal stake in it (depending on laws)
But this is why getting rid of the BRF isn’t so easy. They are so entrenched in the system and if they go, the aristos go, who make up one branch of the government. I am of the belief that eventually the BRF will become so irrelevant, they’ll be phased out on their own. I think that will end up being the “easiest” way out instead of a bloody revolution (like all the countries that abolished their monarchies) and trying to dismantle the Crown from the country – it’s too interconnected.
Like the West Wing having a Black president normalized a Black person as president of the US for many. I do think that had the BRF embraced Meghan, eventually most of the monarchist would have fallen in line with embracing her also. Then again, England is so entrenched in their class system, I don’t know if those people could ever consider someone working class as anything but. Even though Kate isn’t bullied the way Meghan is, she’s not truly accepted either, so… Monarchy is really a stupid institution if you really think about it and at this point in human civilization it belongs only in historical accounts of the past.
“The aristocracy (save for 2 biracial women) is pretty white from Viscount/Viscountess and upwards.”
1. Emma Thynn, Marchioness of Bath
2. ???????
@Bay – #2 is Meghan 🙂
Yeah #2 is Meghan.
Possibly because even now 86% of the population of the UK is still white and it was a much higher percentage say 50 years ago.
I do want to clarify again that I think it’s amazing that Harry is speaking out about this. We need more people like him (and when I say “like him”, I mean more privileged white people speaking out) to speak out. We need more to say that racism goes beyond calling someone slurs and that it is a part of everything we do – just like the story of having no black dolls. It’s seemingly simple things like this.
And despite the system he’s from, I’d rather hear him instead of his brother Prince “I’m bored of racism” William.
You are correct in all you said here. The thing to remember though is, we are all in some ways contributing to this unequal system, especially those of us who live in Western civilization. I know that the US government, (my government) has destabilized governments around the world for decades and depending on what class you were born into, or worked your way into, you contribute to the inequalities evident in our society. I have never given consent to destabilized governments, but here I am benefiting from what those actions created for the US.
I think Harry is learning and he’s probably already figured out that his birthright is destructive and that titles and such are part and parcel with all he’s speaking out against. It’s possible he will eventually burn it all down by publicly rejecting both his title and the monarchy. This is a long distance race, not a sprint for these two I suspect.
Btw you said it very well.
Just wanted to say I’m quite proud of Harry. He has shown himself to be so open to learning and then using his voice for change because of Meghan, and I think that’s beautiful. I think their marriage, the fact that they make such a great team, and that they’re so in love despite all the nonsense that has been thrown their way, is beautiful.
I just went to view the video on YouTube of this interview and oh my god! The video has 300 negative thumbs down and the comments are vile. Has the DM and various UK tabloids been that successful in getting people to hate them?
I feel like I’m the only one in the UK who likes them.
No you’re not. It’s 300 dislikes in a country of what? 65 million? And those dislikes are probably not all from the UK anyways.
You know, as far I understand YT it is kind of good thing? I mean, Youtube does not care if you like, or dislike the video, for them it is important that people engage with the content, to further promote it. So they may dislike it, but by that they are pushing the video forward in the YT news chain so, (kind of) good for H&M.
And to be clear, I would prefer 300 likes, but as proverb says, make lemonade out of lemons 😉
@Anna, your not alone, I’m from the UK and I really like them but I know what you mean, it does feel like nobody here likes them esp when you hear nonsense on the telly and read the nasty comments online.
YouTube comments are a cesspool. I feel like 300 dislikes/comments is nothing! Just more “noise”.
300 thumbs down out of how many views? And with these professional trolls out here, it’s not that hard to skew numbers.
The trolls can change their names. I recognize the same troll who changed his or her user name a few times. Messages sound the same.
Which YouTube channel was it? If it was a chnnel belonging to any of the trashloids then its just bots. There’s a good harry and Meghan channel by some guy called Hugo and the comments there are pretty good. Anyway after watching The Social Dilemma on Netflix I don’t believe anything on social media, not that I did anyway.
Don’t believe everything you see. As the Fail’s own research showed, 80 percent of the hate about Meghan comes from a handful of posters based in the US who use dozens of fonts each.
I think part of this is because the people who support them won’t post online. They will ignore and take the high road and leave the haters to discuss amongst themselves. Otherwise it is too much negativity!
I wouldn’t base your understanding of what Britain likes or dislikes on a YouTube video.
I love how they are unapologetic and will continue to drive home their message even if they get trashed by the British media. The media is just proving their point. I just love and admire these two.
Coming from someone who is the product of a dynastic monarchy dating back hundreds of years. Someone who has directly profited from their family’s colonisation and exploitation of indigenous populations around the world. Just found out there was such a thing as structural racism and inequality four years ago. But sure, well done Harry.
Someone who grew up in the royal bubble probably wouldn’t be aware of structural racism until they left it. Harry started changing while in the army – he made some egregious mistakes, sincerely apologized for them, and grew from the experience. I don’t believe he had any idea how bad it was until he married a WOC and had a child with her (both of whom were attacked racially) and could see how that racism affects people in their everyday life. Would you prefer people not share their stories when they learn and grow? That we just maintain the status quo because the conversation is uncomfortable and they haven’t lead a perfect life? That’s not how change happens.
What are you dong to make positive changes in the world that you would dismiss someone else making an effort?
What would you have him do? Would you like it better if he ignored it and continued to profit from it? It would be different if he were like Will and Kate, who might word salad some statement against racism, but go back to representing the institution that’s the epitome of racial suporiority. Harry left the royal family. If that’s not enough for people, I don’t know what do think. Is he supposed to wear sackcloth and ashes, and smack himself with a scourging whip until blood runs down his back?
We can’t defeat structural racism until the people who benefit from it first acknowledge it, then show their willing to act on it. Which he did by leaving his horrible racist family!!!
“We can’t defeat structural racism until the people who benefit from it first acknowledge it, then show their willing to act on it.”
I agree. To defeat racism, we must first acknowledge its existence. This is why we are struggling to make progress today – accusations of playing the race card are too quickly thrown out to shut down the conversation.
There’s really not much that would make you happy, is there?
How many times have we heard, even on this website “there is no racism in Britain, it’s different here”? So Harry was not the only one living in a bubble apparently. Like everything else, it’s all hands on deck and I don’t think anyone’s voice should be excluded.
So the gist of what you’re saying is that it’s Harry’s fault he was born royal. It’s Harry’s fault he was raised in a bubble. It’s Harry’s fault that his ancestors were colonizers who subjugated and enslaved millions of people around the world. Well isn’t the best kind of response to that what Harry is actually saying? Acknowledging that very fact? That he is privileged and spent many years enjoying that privilege without understanding the dark side to it?
Harry experienced first hand what British racism is and how deeply embedded it is in British society. He has left an anachronistic, racist, back-stabbing and insular family to carve out his own life with his wife and son. I think that speaks volumes about how he has grown and matured. He realizes he and Meghan CAN make a difference. Falling in love with her was the best thing to happen to him because it took the blinders off his eyes. Sure he had to go through a painful trial by fire from his useless family but he sure as heck has his priorities straight now.
The logic of “you can’t be against x because your family benefited from x” is a junior as it gets. Try again, sonny.
But aren’t those the people who need to realize and recognize white privilege and institutional racism the most? They are the institution. They have the most power to change or reject the institution. As seen with Harry. Now there are three less people actively working to uphold an institution of racism and white supremacy (Harry, Meghan, Archie) and instead actively working to change the system.
I would think that all of the protests and movements that promote anti-racism would be working to convince those who hold the power and are in the institutions to admit that they are inherently, institutionally racist, so that can be dealt with and changed to be anti-racist. Or is the idea more to topple these institutions and people completely? That might work with the British monarchy, that can be abolished, but governments? Police departments? The courts? Schools? Businesses? Is it feasible to abolish all of those institutions? I thought the idea was to fix them.
If there’s one thing they know how to do, it’s ruffle feathers. I’m honestly a little in awe of their boldness, knowing the backlash they’re guaranteed to receive. Their politics aren’t perfect, but I def commend them for not being afraid to say what they believe. Though it shouldn’t be controversial to be anti-racism.
Love the both of them, but, honestly worry for their safety. There are a lot of crazed people out there and it’s just mind numbing. They don’t deserve all the vitriol sent their way.
Harry talking about equality with that dog in his lap awakened my ovaries.
Why huh I lmao! I am old and even I think he is Hot!!!
I like their message but, I mean, the Windsors are the symbol of structural inequality for the UK (and the parts of the world that they colonised). It’s great that Harry is talking about this, but he is at the pinnacle of who has benefited greatly from the systemic and structural inequalities in Britain. Maybe he will start calling for an end to the Monarchy and the peerage system? that would be kind of amazing.
I don’t understand why people keep acting like because Harry is part of the royal family, he cant talk about this. I would argue that someone like him, who IS at the pinnacle in terms of benefiting from the inequality, IS the person who should be talking about it. I wish he was more open and honest about how he has benefited from it, but I think this is the starting point for that. The people who are in the position to change things are the people who are benefiting and at the top of the system.
ETA not just aimed at you LaLa, but at the various comments along the same vein.
Becks1 – you’re right. I think though that people are so fed up with, well, all the racism. Especially those directly affected. It’s really come to a head. So I think a lot of people are like great, but what else?
I myself understand and appreciate the baby steps. So I think what Harry is doing is fantastic . He’s clearly heavily and positively influenced by Meghan. And like I said above, he’s completely going against his family’s groupthink here. This is huge for a person like Harry. I’m just trying to explain why I think some people are probably calling for him to go further.
Becks, I agree with you. And I am at a loss as to why people think Harry didn’t care about racism until he met Meghan.
Great idea. But I think that would cut too close to the bone.
I think it’s great that he has spoken up like this, but I wish he would go further and admit that he very aware that his wealth and that of his family’s is built on the backs of colonization, conquest, etc, and that that is exactly why he is so privileged.
@ Nancy, I think he will say those things eventually. We don’t just burst into a room uninvited, these things must be managed with care so people, you know, hear you. You come bursting in and frankly, those who need to listen go spontaneously deaf.
@Nancy,
The bulk of the Windsors’ wealth dates back to the Norman conquest, So it was colonialism, in a way, but it’s not as clear-cut as what some republicans/BLM adherents are claiming.
There’s no argument that the British monarchy is a symbol of hundreds of years of British racism. It probably won’t last much longer because it’s an outdated concept.
But Lloyd’s of London and Barclay’s Bank are also a part of that ugly history. And every time you swoon over Mr. Darcy in ‘Pride and Prejudice’, don’t forget that his fortune probably had something to do with slavery. Getting rid of the royal family won’t erase the murder, rape and abuse from British history. The only thing is to acknowledge the horror of the past, try to make amends wherever possible (reparations, tearing down monuments honouring the monsters of the past) and move forward. Harry and Meghan could have been the start of that process, but the royal family and a lot of British people didn’t want that.
Darcy was a large, untitled landowner. The name Darcy was likely an Anglicization of the original French D’Arcy and the family could probably trace its lineage (and land) back to William the Conqueror and some quick-stepping through the deadly confusion of the Tudors.
Do you all see that? Did you see the explosion? That’s the BM’s brains. You can see the mushroom cloud from space.
I thought it was an earthquake 🤣
😂😂😂😎if only this were true
I take my hat off to Harry, he is truly growing and learning, so different from his so called brother.
I wish the white people around me, just stopped listened and learn what us black people have to say about our struggles instead of constantly interjecting with their opinions. Whilst I love my friends, I am getting more and more disappointed with them as I always thought they were liberal and open minded but in recent years I am seeing them moving towards the right wing, I suppose they don’t want their privileges interrupted and we’re more happy when us blacks knew our place! I’m so fed up and no longer speak about racism with them and they hate Meghan.
I’ve also had to distance myself from a few people in my life that have let me down when it comes to such issues. I feel you totally.
I hope you also realize that those white friends aren’t really your friends. They are fond acquaintances, and people you have a past with. If they choose not to see who you are, and if they’re going right wing, then that means you can’t trust them anymore. They will throw you under the bus if it will benefit them. I get it, it’s painful, but all of us have to re-evaluate our relationships with the white people in our lives. That doesn’t mean hate them, or cut them out of our lives, or stop talking to them. Just know there’s a limit to your friendship, and that they aren’t going to go out on a limb for you–that means you can’t go out on a limb for them either. DO NOT risk you career, good name, reputation, money, or anything else that you value on these acquaintances, no matter how fond. They are showing you who they really are, and for god’s sake, take Maya Angelou’s advice and believe them.
Ever see the Godfather 2? It’s like Frank Pantangeli telling Michael Corelone about his father’s “good friend” Hymen Roth. He says:
“Your father liked Hymen Roth, your father did business with Hymen Roth, but your father never trusted Hymen Roth”
Different context: you are probably not a rum-runner during Prohibition, but it’s the tactic I use with the white people I’m fond of in my own life, outside the few I truly know are my friends because they have gone out of their way to see beyond their own experiences. Like them, enjoy their company, be helpful to them, accept help that’s freely given–but don’t make yourself vulnerable to them in any way that they could use to hurt you.
@lanne Love this 🙂 I copy/paste to text my African-American 22 y/o son who has struggled during this time with his white friends. Very good sound advice. Thanks!
This is brilliant and I agree with every word. People have been shocking me and I have simply stepped back from them when they show me who they truly are. It’s amazing how you can know someone for years and not truly know them until the stakes are high enough and they feel threatened. That’s what has been happening for the past few years especially. So many people who have enjoyed certain privileges have in the wake of being asked to give up those privileges, or share them, reveal who they truly are.
@Lanne This is the sad reality…
I applaud them for speaking their minds and not being afraid of the inevitable backlash they know they’ll receive. I hope they keep speaking up regardless of what anyone says. All allies are needed even those born into the monarchy. Harry’s awakening has been slow and steady and began long before he met Meghan. I recall reading gossip about how Harry allegedly dated black women and I’m sure he had eye opening experiences then.
Good on the Sussexes for stepping up on this issue. Harry learned the hard way through his treatment of his wife and son. As 6th in line to the throne he is in a better position to speak of this. Of the 66 million in the UK not all are white. You know the RRs are throwing a fit. This interview reaffirms to the world the Sussexes do not consider the Rota and the RRs legitimate press. Puss Morgan and Chris Shipp-wreck would have killed for this interview. Can you see the Cambridges pull this off? Kate couldn’t give an interview in a fluff magazine. As future king and queen they should be able to speak to this especially with Commonwealth countries. The Windsors now worry there is a rival court in the US; and I think the Sussexes should keep their titles. It proves no matter how high you raise the racism still follows (see Obamas)
I am absolutely loving that Harry and Meghan Are engaging with the British press just not the tabloids and that must be killing them!!!
Good for Harry. I’m happy that both of them are not afraid to speak out on issues, even though they know they will be criticised for it. I suspect they wanted to do something for black history month last year but were probably banned by the palace.
Loving the total collapse of Gammon-England.
Thank you Harry and Meghan….. Black History Month has truly begun….
Can you explain this total collapse
So so proud of this couple. You’re right Kaiser about harry’s awakening to discrimination way before meeting meghan. They are not backing down and I’m glad they are marking BHM like this. Well done to harry for acknowledging his privilege and I relate to the doll story. Let’s see what the others do.I predict that the keenbridges or wessexs will rush to do something to mark this.
For the people bashing Harry for speaking out, who else in the royal family would you like to hear this message from? Charles and Camilla? The queen? Phillip? And please don’t say Will and Kate. So the other option is silence. And for those who say give the back their wealth, if you are in America, anyway, whose land is your house built on? Most of my ancestors were stolen from Africa. If I go back there, who is sitting on my land? We can’t go back and undo everything, we only move forward.
The ones that complain about him saying something are the same ones that would complain if he didn’t say something.
Yup, they were ready to condemn him for what ever reason harry did or talk.
What do you want from him. His white and come from privilege life. He cant undo that, but he can move one and talk about it. He cant abolish the monarchy, but he can make it better by talking about it and demand changes. Which he did, changes take time by the time archie get older archie will surely continue to make that changes.
I had a thought, you know how we always say the press and Rf will continue to bully harry and Meghan because they want harry to come back to the family? But if the bullying campaign is from Kensington Palace, who are probably glad harry is gone so boring bill and is dull wife can shine, then they don’t really want him back. The ones who want harry back are the queen and Charles and I don’t think they have anything to do with the smears. Yet Willie and Keen are the ones still smearing, even though they have everything that they ever wanted , the whole show to themselves. So what is their end game? What do they want to achieve, beside to make H&M look like failures?
W&K want Harry and Meghan to be without titles, want no other ‘competing’ young Ducal couple. Trying to destroy their images publicly, to destroy their chances to earn a living with places like NetFlix? W&K want these two back under their direct control, forced to kowtow and belittle their abilities to make W&K look better.
Remember when Pippa was banned from giving interviews for Celebrate! Now the book was terrible but Pippa was also sharply curtailed in her ability to promote it.
I’ve always thought kate has ‘sister issues’ with Pippa. I think just like Willie is jealous of harry, Kate feels the same way about pippa. Their mother brought these girls up to be competitive and I think kate has always lagged behind pippa right up until she bagged a prince. But that jealous and inferior feeling is still there. I reckon Pippa looks at kate and thinks ‘I could have done this so much better’, which she probably could have. I wouldn’t be surprised if she threw herself at William when he and Kate were dating.
Pippa was more popular at Malborough and noted as more personable by their classmates. Kate was described by the teachers at school as “unexceptional “. I don’t think your theory is too far off, except I don’t think Pippa bothered with William. She was trying for Harry and other adjacent aristos like Harry Percy.
We’ve had this conversation here a few times. Is it good that Harry speaks up or is it ridiculous that someone who has benefited so much from structural racism (lectures the world on…etc.) speaks on it? I feel like I see both sides of it. I’m not going to super praise Harry and think he is the most amazing person ever. He has his position because of his ridiculous family, nothing to admire there. But I think they (esp. Meghan) have to be self-aware that Harry is a beneficiary of this system, they *know* on some level it’s a bit rich coming from Harry. But in this world where celebrities speaking gets the most attention, rightly or wrongly, and looking at the Sussexes huge celebrity internationally, doesn’t it make sense to use that to start some conversations? I feel like this “using what you have for good” kind of idea comes from Meghan. So maybe Harry will stumble sometimes and not say the perfect thing, but we already see how him saying stuff is having an effect. So why shouldn’t he?
Edited to add – Remember too that we here in the UK are not all white people! So although I’m against monarchy, at least some of them are trying to acknowledge our existence and experiences!
Harry clearly stated that he is learning and that he wasn’t aware of a lot of the issues facing people of color. The fact that he married a bi-racial woman and has a son with AA genes has caused him to reflect on things differently. He should be used as an example of what type of growth can be achieved if you really truly love someone from a different race. He doesn’t navigate through the world anymore with singular view of the world but one that is diverse. I think that’s wonderful and brings such hope for the world. If every person knew and truly loved someone of a different race so many more would have the same awareness that Harry has now.
I think it’s so unfair that because Harry was born Royal and with privilege that he is not allowed to grow and change the way he sees the world by the naysayers. The naysayers are the people who should really listen to Harry because the same people are responsible for systemic racism. I applaud Harry for his growth.
@Houston, that wasn’t directed at me was it? Because I didn’t say he’s not allowed to grow and change. I’m generally talking about who should have a voice in this topic and whose voice is amplified. I think Harry and Meghan are aware of the power of celebrity in this world and are choosing to harness it for good. Good for them.
I think we’re are the same side of this issue.
@Houston, ah okay I wasn’t quite sure!
I really agree with this line you wrote – “The naysayers are the people who should really listen to Harry because the same people are responsible for systemic racism.” Spot on really.
Kudos for Harry and Meghan for throwing down the gauntlet. If the RF criticize them for speaking out on this issue, the RF has to either deny that structural racism exists, or demonstrate that they don’t care about structural racism. Will they stay quiet and leave right right wing media to bay for their blood, or will they actually say something? No matter what, Harry’s statements will be hanging in the air any time William goes off on “racism boring him” in the future.
Absolutely. The BRF are caught in a trap on this one. Do they really want to come out in favor of systemic racism? Luckily, they’re all so stupid I’m sure we’ll get a Richard Kay piece doing just that.
Front page! Loving the smiles and happiness that is emanating from them.
Never stop talking about racism Sussexes, I am sure William’s blood pressure shoots sky high every time you make the news. I am black and my husband is white and he was right there with me and the kids at the BLM march.
Cute brown leather pants she is wearing, fashionable and sexy.
The usual suspects are in meltdown and waiting for Piss Morgan to rage tomorrow. I find it so ironic that the rota/media/establishment types all complain that Harry and Meghan live in a bubble but the reality is they are living and reporting from inside the bubble; an echo chamber of inequality; misogyny and racism. I would love to see the end of the monarchy but until the House of Lords becomes a democratically elected body it will never happen. All governments use the Honours System and create new Lords and Dames to fill the Upper House and swing votes in the government’s favour. It is so corrupt that even the left make no serious effort to change things. This establishment truly detest Harry for walking away.
They put themselves in a new position having a public interview vs. pre recorded speeches and/or highly controlled environments. Good for them, but they are going to need a few deeper talking points to be credible. This is their brand. Until more people in power speak directly about inequality, it won’t be solved. Poverty=racism=violence=sexism. Great disparities in wealth are almost always left out of the conversation and that’s unfortunate. They are part of this power structure but at least they are calling it out in very simple terms. When you hear really expert activists discuss these things, it’s clear their knowledge goes so far beyond what is being addressed directly. They’re able to make connections and answer questions with compound answers and nuanced examples. I had the privilege to hear Michelle Alexander speak, talk about an awakening. It was mind blowing. M&H, not so much.
As for his title, I believe it will never be taken away. He is a Prince. His family cares, probably more than he does.
Next job….speak out about the structural classism that blights lives of all races in the UK….won’t hold my breath.
Plenty of important people And royals in the UK who could do that.
They’re talking specifically about racism though. Go ask William and Kate to tackle classism..
Why would they though? It has benefitted them as it has benefited Harry and continues to do so. Why would anyone be listening to him if he wasn’t royal? Racism is low hanging fruit for him.
Glad that they’re not afraid to tackle the topic of racism head on – the platform that they have will reach a global audience but they cannot do it alone. We need more people of prominence to speak out not just on race, but bullying (Trump anyone), police brutality, sexism and more and thus far I’m happy to see Harry & Meghan not shying away from these hot topics.
Can I also just say….GUY 🙂
And if he hadn’t spoke out, everyone would be saying ‘why hasn’t he said anything”. Your wife and son are bi-racial speak up!!!
Everything takes time, Harry is learning. He probably had to learn fast after they called his son a monkey and abused his wife relentlessly.
He also probably has to separate what he is learning from his family, not an easy thing.
I say good for him. It’s a complex issue, and he’s is tackling it head on .
ITA. Because of the family/status Harry was born into, he was sheltered from a lot of the real world and what he was exposed to was highly edited. As he grew up and experienced more of the world, through travel, the military, etc., he became more aware of the inequalities and racism others face. He has realized in the past few years that he has a voice and a responsibility to use it. He has seen his wife and child attacked because of her heritage and realizes the issue affects him and his family directly. Neither he nor Meghan pretend to have all the answers, but are sharing their journey and their struggle. They both deserve kudos for speaking out and for trying to help others by sharing their story.
People don’t forget that Archie has some black heritage=Harry and Meghan are keenly aware of discussing this issue because their son and any other children will face some racial slights in life. They are getting ahead of this issue to prepare their children on how to deal . The structural racism in the world brings out the real ugly in people in which they direct hatred towards others based not only on race-but gender-sexuality-and social class. They are absolutely correct about dismantling the racial biases to improve everybody’s lives.
And Meghan didn’t know about British BHM. What a lie.