For Those at the Top…
- My strongest suggestion is that you learn to truly empathize - learn to see the other side's point of view as they see it. Empathy requires superior listening skills. It’s hurtful to those who are frequently victims of racism to hear Whites confidently state that racism no longer exists.
- Read the amazing, unfortunately timeless book, Black Like Me by Robert Bonazzi and open your eyes to what’s going on around you. Many people of color will tell you that this White author’s experiences as a disguised Black man isn’t very different from their experience today.
- Ask yourself what your response is to racism. Do you sit silently and allow others to express racist sentiments in your presence? What responsibility do you feel you have in doing away with racism? When you argue for or against social policies designed to even out the playing field, ask yourself how much you really know about what’s going on.
For Those Not at the Top…
- My strongest suggestion here too is that you learn to truly empathize. Empathy requires superior listening skills. White privilege brings with it shame and guilt for many Whites. Anger only serves to amplify those emotions and promote defensiveness.
- And yet, don’t give up or give in. Throughout time, it has always been incumbent on those not in a position of power to push for the respect and equality they seek.
- Ask yourself what your best response to racism might truly be. Hating back and attacking those in power doesn’t seem to be too effective and only hurts those doing the hating as they end up getting consumed with their own hatred and anger. Martin Luther King and Ghandi were both prime examples that you can achieve success without hate or violence.