Confronting racism may seem difficult, in the face of racism in itself can be even more difficult, but the understanding that implicit bias is the first step towards change. On The 17th Of June White Fragility author Dr. Robin DiAngelo practically sat down with Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show to discuss the meaning behind the implicit racism. During the discussion, DiAngelo stressed why it is important for white people to understand and recognize unconscious expressions of racism within their behavior.
“When I’m talking about the racism that I have, the racism that you have, is the result of living in a society in which racism is the foundation,” DiAngelo said Fallon. “We all absorb. There is No way that we could exempt ourselves from the same . . . White people often say ” I am not a racist.’ I know that I have, I have, to do things in my life, I recognize as racist today. I wouldn’t do it again. They were not even intentional, or even conscious, and yet, they injured other people, however.”
DiAngelo went on to discuss the “revolutionary” effect of self-reflection and attempts to change for the better, would have on the society as a whole. “Make us so miserable for the Black people, to talk with us about what you are experiencing for us that most of the times simply not. Not worth,” he said. “It tends to get worse, not better. So, that way, white fragility is very powerful and protects the racial status quo.” In pointing out the regressive effects of white fragility, DiAngelo also encouraged white people to listen and learn, in place to automatically remove themselves from the conversation by saying “I am not a racist”.
There are many steps in the way of your active anti-racist, and one is the diversification of the literature you surround yourself with. Read up on how to be a better ally, to support their favorite Black authors, and the output of these empowering and educational books by Black women to learn more about the experiences of the Black community and how you can help.
