I didn’t say you didn’t have the right to speak, nor did I call you racist. What I said was, that listening implies that you give some consideration to what read/hear. Engaging in the discussion of Race in America is admirable and necessary. What I heard you say earlier and in your response to my comments was, “Not me.” I’m saying, “Yes you and yes me.” As whites in this society we have all the power, the privilege and the voice. I think you would agree the country has a race problem. I’m assuming you are interested in making changes which is why you’re engaging. You are correct that giving entitlements has not worked. The people who can change the system are the people with the power and the voice.

It’s possible, and in my opinion, true, that the information being shared by courageous Black voices is critical to solving the problems. Our experience as white people is very different than those of Black people in this country. Your experience is valid. So are the experiences you’re reading about. Acknowledging those different experiences as valid does not diminish you as a person. It doesn’t have to be zero sum.

You have the power to make a big difference. I’m asking you to add to your existing knowledge to be more effective.

Thanks for responding. It helps me understand how I may not have made myself clear.