When you want me to be “nice” as a Black person, you mean: • Don’t talk about race • Don’t cause conflict • Don’t say anything that might upset me or other white people I care about • Don’t be direct • Don’t tell me what you really think • Tell me I’m a good person • Smile, be friendly • Don’t cause me to feel anything • Don’t pressure me to take action or own something I did • Don’t defend yourself against my racism lest you be seen as a bitter, angry person • Don’t name my racism
