Dear White People Nobody wants you to feel guilty or uncomfortable

Summary

The article "Dear White People" discusses the discomfort of white people regarding critical race theory and the efforts in some states to prohibit discussions on race that induce guilt, emphasizing the need for white people to understand systemic racism and its present-day implications without feeling guilty, but rather to actively combat it for a more equitable society.

Abstract

The article addresses the controversy surrounding critical race theory and its impact on white Americans, particularly in states like Florida where legislation aims to prevent discomfort or guilt related to historical racial issues. It argues that the focus should not be on white guilt but on recognizing the ongoing effects of systemic racism, such as disparities in wealth, housing, and employment. The author asserts that understanding racism's history and benefits is crucial for white people to support the dismantling of oppressive systems, which is not only a moral imperative but also beneficial for the nation's progress. The piece calls for collective action from white people to address current injustices, such as voter suppression and economic discrimination, rather than avoiding the topic out of discomfort.

Opinions

The author believes that the discussion of critical race theory should not be stifled by legislation under the guise of preventing discomfort or guilt among white people.
It is highlighted that black people are not interested in the guilt of white people but rather in their understanding of systemic racism and its benefits, which have historically helped in overcoming oppressive laws like slavery and Jim Crow.
The article suggests that white people should focus on present-day injustices, such as the suppression of black votes and economic discrimination, rather than dwelling on past historical actions.
The author points out that the racial wealth gap and discriminatory practices, like undervaluing black-owned homes, are current issues that need to be addressed.
There is a call to action for white individuals to confront racist tendencies within themselves and to stand up against injustice, suggesting that passivity in the face of racism is complicit in its perpetuation.
The piece emphasizes personal responsibility and self-reflection as means to overcome systemic racism and contribute to the betterment of society as a whole.

Dear White People Nobody wants you to feel guilty or uncomfortable

A couple of states are up in arms about critical race theory to the point that they want to whitewash America’s past to avoid making white people feel uncomfortable.

In Florida, a bill, dubbed “Individual Freedom,” would prohibit not just public schools but also private enterprises from discussing race-related themes or implementing any form of workplace training that would cause “discomfort” or “guilt” among employees. The proposed legislation is broad and, at first glance, legally dubious, as it prohibits private businesses from requiring any workplace instruction that perpetuates the notion that “an individual bears responsibility for, or should be discriminated against or receive adverse treatment because of past actions by other members of the same race, color, sex, or national origin.”

White people no one wants you to feel uncomfortable or guilty. Even without any education, almost everyone is aware that America had slaves in the past and the majority know that the United States has a history of oppressing black people. Of course, I am sure that are some may be unaware that the oppression was legal.

Despite all of this, it alarms me that some actually worry about White people feeling guilty. First, it may be news but no Black is interested in your guilt or discomfort for that matter. We want you to understand the history of racism and how you benefit from it whether you know it or not. Without some White people understanding that we may have never defeated slavery or overcome the oppression of the Jim Crow laws. However, Black people have so much more to overcome from unfair housing, unfair pay, employment discrimination and more. The moral reason that you should care is that such acts of oppression is just wrong. The selfish reason that you should care is that dissolution of oppression will lead to that more perfect nation that was the ideal that our forefathers.

The other option is for White people to just do better collectively. Right now the nation is in a battle over the voting rights act. Why do we need such an act? Black votes are still being oppressed all over the nation. So, if white people have discomfort or guilt over slavery then they really don’t have to look to America’s past, there are so many things that they can feel guilty about today without even reflecting on America’s past. Black people have a fraction of wealth that white people have and even when we have homes, they are often underappraised. In a recent example, a black home worth $1,600,000 was appraised for $900,000. Fortunately, the family realized something was wrong and thwarted this economic tragedy. However, I am sure that this happens all the time and Black families remain in the dark, undermining their honest efforts to take part in the American dream of wealth through home ownership.

On a personal note, I visited my hometown in Southwestern Virginia. My uncle told me that a White guy told him that at the local convenience store, a group of White people where using the n-word freely and openly while speaking about Black people in a disparaging manner. I was not surprised — 42 years ago White people in the same county robbed the accomplishment of valedictorian from me. But I digress, telling my uncle perhaps dispelled this White’s guy guilt but he did not have the courage to tell the other White’s how disgusted he was by their conversation. I’m not sure of the quote but it goes something like this evil happens when good people do nothing.

In closing, White people don’t feel guilt or discomfort. It helps no one. Stand up when you see injustice. Change yourself and check yourself. We live in a country with a thriving history of racism. When you see a racist tendency in yourself, don’t deny it — you are human and years of systemic racism is not easy to overcome but check yourself. If you read this and you are racist, ask yourself why — why do you waste your time, harm your soul and make the world a worse place. When your actions are one that uplift, then everyone rises.