Elise posted this link in the comments of the last post and I thought it was cool enough to get a post of it’s own. You should check out the entire post (and the comments to the last post, as well as Elise’s blog) if you haven’t had the chance yet. Here’s a teaser.
The thing is, I knew when I was writing the e-mail that I was taking a risk. I talk to white people about being “kicked out of the club.” It’s the moment that they realize that speaking up about race or racism distances them from other white people. It’s when they find out that other white people won’t necessarily support them when they raise issues of racism.
So here are some questions for discussion that most of my readers can relate to-
How do you deal when people you love and respect stand in opposition to you on issues that you are passionate about (like racism for example)?
Are you able to keep loving and being in relationship with them as you would before in spite of the difference?
Do you compartmentalize, and only share with those you love those parts that will not cause conflicts?
Do you limit your activism on this issue to preserve your relationship?
Share your thoughts, questions, stories, encouragement and discouragement in the comments. I know for some people this is a painful thing, and for others they’ve found it easy. Comment below.
