“The story emerging for me, however, tells a tale of black and brown people being held down so long that white folks have come to believe they got there on their own. The removal of legal barriers that once separated the races has done little to change the distorted belief system that lives on in the hearts and minds of millions of individuals. At this point, the only thing needed for racism to continue is for good people to do nothing.”
– Debby Irving, Waking Up White: And Finding Myself in the Story of Race
Linda hosts One-Liner Wednesday. Visit her blog to see who else is participating this week.
Riddle from the Middle 
I’ve shared the kind of story you mentioned in your reply to Mary’s comment. It would depress you to know how easily people dismiss those tales. Beyond not doing, not accepting and educating our children, I’m not sure what an individual can do. It seems to me that people only accept the news/commentary/analysis that agrees with or supports what they already believe. I’m sorry to leave such a downer of a comment, but it doesn’t seem that I’ve ever changed someone’s mind. I’ve stopped being friends (real in-person and virtual) but I doubt that bothered folks.
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I wonder if it makes an impression you can’t see. Like maybe it’s not a major AHA moment in front of you, but what they hear/see from you sits in their subconscious & is part of a shift later on. That’s the kind of thinking that keeps me going sometimes. 💛
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That might be true. Maybe the process just needs to be reinforced. I do hope…
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I don’t stand for racism, bigotry, or hatred for others. I don’t know if it’s “doing something,” but I try to reflect love for all, without any mitigation, and volunteer for an organization that helps the less fortunate, no matter their skin color.
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This is where lots of us are now. I think the next step is taking a hard look at how we’ve benefited (and still benefit) from the system in place. I’ve had to acknowledge some rough truths about how I got where I am and what needs to be done to level the playing field.
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This is the ultimate truth of life. If we believe in something, we need to stand up for it.
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Yes. Nothing ever changed by just waiting. Everything requires action and commitment. 💛
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Exactly!
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Too many people switch off. It’s easier to watch talent shows. That allows the bad to sneak in and become mainstream.
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I definitely think it’s getting easier to let things slide — mostly because there is SO MUCH that needs to be addressed. People sometimes seem to shut down instead of engaging.
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