03 TALK ABOUT RACE

Let’s face it: talking about race is hard and uncomfortable.

As a white person, you don’t have to think about race when you apply for a job, seek out an apartment, let your teenager leave the house, or get pulled over at night for speeding. So when you do begin to discuss racial issues, it’s natural to feel insecure, a sense of confusion, or even anger—especially on the matter of white privilege. But when you choose to talk about it, you’ll be facing and challenging the socially-constructed ideas about the difference that you have absorbed from the society around you. This is no small task. You may need to make a time for this topic – race is often considered taboo – and you’ll definitely be uncomfortable, but you could make a friend or two in the process. It is especially helpful to talk to other white people who are also engaged with these concerns. Podcasts can also serve as a valuable tool in learning how people can productively talk about race.