Digging Deeper

This question halted our conversation momentarily. A colleague remarked, "I believe they might describe themselves differently—perhaps feeling scared or skeptical. I want them to be hopeful, but I doubt they see themselves that way."

In a small group discussion I led, another colleague expressed the need to "sit in" this experience, reflecting on the disconnect between our perceptions and those of our clients.

My goal was to address the White Savior Complex within our organization, and I believed this exercise was a productive starting point.

What is the White Savior Complex?

If you're unfamiliar with the term, the White Savior Complex refers to an ideology where a white individual, from a position of perceived superiority, attempts to "help" or rescue a BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) community. Whether consciously or subconsciously, those with this mindset assume they possess knowledge or skills that BIPOC individuals lack. According to Savala Nolan, author of Don't Let It Get You Down, this ideology often manifests in the nonprofit sector, particularly in organizations founded by white individuals.

Colleen Murphy notes in Health.com that white saviorism is a longstanding concept, tracing back to a time when many Westerners believed they had the inherent ability to solve the problems faced by people globally, especially in developing nations.

Given that over 80% of our clients identify as BIPOC, many of whom self-identify as African American or of African descent, it is crucial to confront our role in perpetuating white saviorism.

Video Description: This TEDx talk by Kayley Gould explores the negative ramifications of the White Savior Complex in volunteerism and community work.

What Does It Look or Sound Like?

The manifestations of the White Savior Complex can vary widely depending on the organization and its team members. However, its consequences are often detrimental, regardless of intent. Nolan likens someone engaged in white saviorism to an individual rushing into an emergency room without the proper medical training—this well-meaning approach can lead to more harm than good.

For instance, during our word cloud exercise, while staff members believed our clients were hopeful, the clients' actual lived experiences may reflect feelings of fear or skepticism. What if a career coach interprets a client's demeanor as disengaged rather than hopeful? This misinterpretation could lead to negative documentation or misguided advice.

Nathan Greene, PsyD, emphasizes that many white saviors think their actions combat deeply entrenched racism and white supremacy. However, in reality, white saviorism often reinforces inequality by centering white individuals and invalidating the experiences of those they aim to help.

Listening to Those We Serve

When we genuinely listen to the communities we serve, our approach shifts. The Ugandan organization No White Saviours emphasizes that caring about critical issues such as education, human trafficking, or poverty is not inherently wrong. The issue arises when the focus shifts to the individual providing aid rather than the recipients of that aid.

Rather than positioning ourselves as problem solvers, we should actively listen to those we intend to assist and follow their lead.

Suggestions for Consideration

Revisiting our intentions in helping marginalized communities is essential. It's important to note that the White Savior Complex is not solely about white individuals; it reflects a broader system of whiteness. Sojourner White points out that our collective struggle is influenced by the structures upheld by white supremacy.

Alisoun Mackenzie offers several recommendations for those wanting to address their contributions to the White Savior Complex. Although she focuses on international contexts, these concepts are relevant to local advocacy.

From “How to Avoid Being a White Savior”

• Examine your conscious bias: If you benefit from white privilege, educate yourself on becoming an antiracist ally.
• Question your motives: Reflect on your reasons for engaging in charitable activities and consider how they would play out in your own community.
• Educate yourself: Gain insights from local perspectives rather than solely from those who share your privilege.
• Build relationships: Understand the needs of those you wish to assist before assuming you know what is best.
• Shift the focus: Instead of making your efforts about you, share the stories and insights of those you’re working with.

To dismantle the White Savior Complex, we must commit to educating ourselves, elevating the voices of those we serve, and empowering communities to find solutions that align with their needs.

Video Description: This video offers practical advice on keeping your ego in check, essential for anyone involved in advocacy or community service.

Reflecting and Reflections

I recognize that my connection to Whiteness affects my perception of both my role and that of the communities I serve. Despite my ties, I must remain vigilant against my ego asserting itself, as the work we do is too significant to compromise.

During client interactions, I strive to act as a mirror, utilizing active listening techniques to reflect their thoughts and feelings back to them. This approach ensures that any insights I share come from their experiences, allowing for genuine problem-solving rooted in their understanding.

By maintaining humility, I avoid imposing solutions that might only resonate with my worldview. Instead, I aim to present options that align with their narratives.

As we continue to explore the implications of white savior culture in our work, I encourage you to share your strategies for checking your ego and dismantling the White Savior Complex in your own advocacy efforts.

Joseph brings over 20 years of experience in nonprofit workforce development and higher education administration, specializing in diversity, equity, and inclusion education. He is also the author of Tales of a Displaced Worker and the SAGA Facilitation Model.