... But I'm NOT Racist! Quotes

“When a white woman starts to cry, I ask her to take some deep breaths as I invite the group to let her experience her feelings and not try to take care of her or rescue her in the moment. I clearly state that this person can easily be in her feelings and continue engaging and doesn’t need to be comforted or saved by anyone. I then refocus my attention onto the white woman and say how I really respect people who can express their emotions and talk through their tears. I then ask if she is ready to share her reactions to the feedback. In the vast majority of situations, white women are able to continue engaging effectively, and group members realize a number of things, including: people can cry and talk at the same time; jumping in to support someone may be more about trying to avoid our own feelings of discomfort; interrupting the learning moment by handing out Kleenex, rubbing someone’s back or challenging the person of color’s comments may deny the white woman a potentially important growth opportunity; and the entire group may benefit from fully experiencing and processing this emotional moment.”
― Kathy Obear, ... But I'm NOT Racist!: Tools for Well-Meaning Whites

“Research consistently shows that we are more likely to experience violence and crime from people of our own racial background. Yet despite clear data, whites continue to fear people of color and trust whites.”
― Kathy Obear, ... But I'm NOT Racist!: Tools for Well-Meaning Whites

“If you have come here to help me, you are wasting your time. But if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together.” - Lilla Watson”
― Kathy Obear, ... But I'm NOT Racist!: Tools for Well-Meaning Whites