Naomi’s Reviews > So You Want to Talk About Race > Status Update

Ch.16”The way we vote, where we spend our money, what we do and do not call out-these are all pieces of the system. We cannot talk our way out of a racially oppressive system. We can talk our way into understanding, and we can then use that understanding to act.”

Ch.17”I know that the issue of racism and racial oppression seems huge—and it is huge. But it is not insurmountable. When we look at it in its entirety, it seems like too much, but understand that the system is invested in you seeing it that way. The truth is, we all pull levers of this white supremacist system, every day.“

Ch.16”You have to get over the fear of facing the worst in yourself. You should instead fear unexamined racism. Fear the thought that right now, you could be contributing to the oppression of others and you don't know it. But do not fear those who bring that oppression to light. Do not fear the opportunity to do better.”

Ch.16”This is not an easy process, and it is not at all fun. And at times, it seems never-ending. At times it may seem like no matter what you do, you are doing something wrong. But you have to try to adjust to the feelings of shame and pain that come from being confronted with your own racism.“

Ch.16 tips cont. “…Remember that you are not the only one hurt…If you can see where you have been racist, or if you can see where your actions have caused harm, apologize and mean it….If, after a lot of careful thought, you still do not see your actions as racist and feel strongly that this is simply a misunderstanding, do not then invalidate that person's hurt.”

Ch.16 “So if you've been confronted with the possibility of your own racism, and you want to do the work, here are some tips:”(1) Listen…set your intentions aside…try to hear the impact of what you have done…Remember that you do not have all of the pieces…Nobody owes you a debate…Nobody owes you a relationship…”

Ch.16 “The question is: do you want to look like a better person, or do you want to be a better person? Because those who just want to look like a better person will have great difficulty with the introspection necessary to actually be a better person. In order to do better we must be willing to hold our darkness to the light, we must be willing to shatter our own veneer of ‘goodness.’”

Ch.16 “All of this is to say that if you have been called racist, or something you have done has been called racist, by a person of color, you cannot simply dismiss it outright-even if that accusation is in direct opposition to all that you try to be. Not if you are truly committed to racial justice.”

Ch.16”Your mistakes or your achievements will never on their own define you. But you can only do better if you are willing to look at your entire self.“