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The Yoga of Whiteness

Learn how yoga and whiteness became synonymous in the West.


ISSUE 01


yo·ga

/ˈyōga / 'to join' or 'to yoke' or 'to unite'.



The problem isn't whiteness itself—the problem is that whiteness can dominate the space. White bodies have become the default representation of "perfect" postures. This assumes complete authority and entitlement, leaving little room for others to have different experiences.


Yoga has been practiced by black and brown people for thousands of years—from Africa to India—yet these bodies are deemed "too big," "too round," and "not quite yogic." It’s one thing to play with someone else’s toy, it’s another thing to convince them it was never theirs in the first place.


In the West, yoga is predominantly practiced and taught by white people who learned from other white people—most of whom have never set foot in India. During my yoga teacher training, I discovered that these classes made people from India feel just as uncomfortable.


In New Orleans, I was heckled by another student, when the instructor pointed out that my bind was on the wrong side. I was denied access to a Bikram class, when the attendant refused to honor the new student special and insisted I pay the drop-in rate. In Oakland’s piedmont district, black bodies didn’t ‘fit the postures’, not even Tadasana (basic standing pose) according to a well-known yoga instructor. All of these studios were located in cities with diverse populations, and yet these classes were primarily occupied by white bodies.



The Yoga of Whiteness :


  • Does not honor the roots and origin of yoga —Africa

  • Distorts the true purpose of yoga—redefining yoga, a noun to exercise, a verb

  • Creates unsafe spaces for black and brown bodies

  • Exploits and commodifies the practice through excessive fees and gatekeeping

  • Creates division through "othering" rather than fostering connection



Is it white people’s fault that black people don’t do yoga?


Check your privilege. 

Yoga was colonized by white culture through the same systems of oppression in which we all live and die—racism, sexism, ableism, and more. In the West, yoga studios cater primarily to white, skinny, flexible, affluent, and cisgender women. These spaces more closely resemble sorority houses than yoga studios.


It's up to the instructor to ensure that everyone is welcomed and feels safe. 

Like welcoming a first-time visitor into your home, creating an inclusive environment fosters diversity. Simply admitting students of color to your class isn't enough. Creating a safe space requires instructors to address the needs of every "body" in the room, adapting their approach to nurture each practitioner's growth.


Students, put your blinders on.

Yoga is a personal and intimate practice. Focus on yourself and your body—not your neighbor's. Comparison breeds anxiety, competition, and perfectionism. It's not selfish to focus on your breath, body, and sensations. The point is to awaken to your true Self.


Leave your assumptions at the door. 

It's not easy being the "only" _____ (fill in the blank) in any space. Don't miss out on the power of yoga to heal just because no one looks like you in the room. Be brave and open to giving and receiving grace. I recently visited a studio in Lewisville, Texas. Though apprehensive, I really needed to move my body. To my surprise, I felt comfortable in the space despite being the only black person there. Looking back, I realized what made the difference: the class was lighthearted, and no one took the movements too seriously. The instructor mentioned that most students had been taking her class for years, which helped reduce the pressure to keep up. By not assuming I would have the same experience as before, I ended up having a great one.

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Thank you for this. I noticed you in the Cave today and looked up your site as I was eating my lunch (multitasking!). I'm sorry you had such crappy experiences. As a white woman who very occasionally teaches yoga, I try always to be entirely welcoming to everyone who arrives at practice. We all learn from one another, and I'm grateful to you for this check.

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