When you hear the phrase “white girl,” you probably think of the stereotypical Starbucks-loving, UGG -wearing, One Direction–sobbing mess of a girl with blonde hair and blue eyes. Many social activists, especially ones who promote racial equality, use this term. I know I’m at fault for using it to describe myself and others — sometimes in a joking way, and sometimes in a hurtful way. But lately, I’ve begun to see the problem with doing so. Minorities often feel we need to try our hardest to create an environment that’s equally safe for people of all races and religions, yet we use words that are degrading to white people in our attempt to do so. We moan and groan about various insulting words thrown at us, then turn around and follow suit. The term “white girl” has become a negative term, and as such, it hurts others.
