... But I'm NOT Racist!: Tools for Well-Meaning Whites

by Kathy Obear

All of these defense mechanisms are attempts to shift the focus away from the impact of our comments to avoid examining our implicit racial bias, our racist attitudes, and the resulting impact of our behavior. We are trying to hold on to the illusion we are a “good white” and by defending ourselves, we are only replicating racist dynamics and reinforcing the reality that we are not as competent as we think we are. In the process, we once again re-center whiteness, meaning we only talk about our own issues and concerns and those of other whites, without giving any credence or attention to what people of color are trying to tell us.

believe it is critical that whites take a personal inventory and deeply reflect on their racial journey over their lives. It is important to identify the ways we were socialized in this racist culture and the choices we made to perpetuate the status quo as well as the times we chose courage to heal from internalized dominance and challenge racist dynamics in ourselves, in others, and in our organizations.