Let’s Stop Being White Saviors: Tips for Expats Abroad Alisoun Mackenzie - Alisoun.com
go to original June 17, 2022

The White Savior Complex: The Dark Side of Volunteering (TEDx Talks)

When I first volunteered to help young genocide survivors in Rwanda in 2010 I was totally unaware of the concept of white savior complex. It was a shock to learn many well-intentioned people of white privilege do more harm than good when visiting Africa, Asia & Latin America, and other former ‘western’ colonies.

Our desire to go abroad and do something meaningful with our lives may come from a place of good intentions. But this often has racist undertones. There are several important issues to be aware of and avoid when travelling, volunteering, and working overseas. Particularly if you are a person who benefits from white privilege or passes as white.

The purpose of this post is to explain what white savior complex is, how it shows up, and tips for avoiding stepping into this destructive role.

Over the last ten years, I’ve educated myself and listened to people who have suffered at the hands of white saviors. I’m horrified to realise I was a white savior in the past. But what we feel when unpacking our unconscious bias is not a patch on what people of colour have endured from white people for centuries. I like to think I’m now a recovering white savior. Yes, I’ve still got work to work to do and I may make mistakes in the future. But I also feel it would be more harmful not to share what I’ve learned so far.

Much of what I share here also comes from really good resources provided by people of colour who are helping to change the narrative.

What Is White Savior Complex?

Consider this: how would you feel if random rich people from another race and country were given a free rein (without the usual stringent vetting or suitable qualifications) to volunteer in schools, orphanages, hospitals, or community projects, build schools, be around your children (interrupting their education) or taking photos of children in vulnerable positions, for the purpose of sharing them on social media. All without your permission.

To make matters worse, imagine if these people also came from a country that invaded your country and slaughtered your people in the past. That they come with no knowledge of your country. Or perceive your country as needing to be ‘rescued’ or used as an unregulated playground or testing environment for personal growth.

Read the rest at Alisoun.com

Related: Unpacking The White Savior Complex (Affinity Magazine)