White Fragility in My Self
by Michael Feeley
I’M STUDYING THE words – white fragility.
It’s a new idea for me. Something I never heard until recently in a course I took on racial justice given by Hella Social Impact.
I see white fragility in my life and work.
Here is a definition by Robin J. DiAngelo, an American author and teacher. She is known for her work about ‘white fragility’,
an expression she created in 2011 and developed further in her 2018 book entitled – White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Race.
“White fragility is the phenomenon by which white people become angry, defensive, or hostile when confronted with the idea that they are complicit in systemic racism.”
Growing up in the 1960s, I was shamefully silent as I watched racism in my town and high school. I regret my white silence because it harmed people. What words – I harmed people with my silence!
It’s demanding and essential work for me to study how I see race right where I live today and around the world.
There is deep reverence in Antiracist Work. Which is defined by Dr. Ibram X. Kendi this way:
“One who is supporting an antiracist policy through their actions or expressing an antiracist idea.”
I’m doing this vital examination because I want to be sure I stand for racial justice in all my thoughts, actions, and words. I’m ashamed I have not and tremendously grateful I can change.
I began this study after the murder of George Floyd – May 25, 2020, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.
As a white man of privilege, living in a dominant white culture, I do not want to be silent or disengaged about oppression and prejudice. So I’m working to be fair.
Justice is never too late. It’s current. Now!
Life is fragile.
Every person’s life is precious.
Racial justice is my choice and my commitment to equity and change. I’m happy doing this work for the rest of my life, collaborating with other people to create a just and kind world for all people.
Thanks – Michael (he, him)
Please share this vital Daily with all people.
This also matters – Equity – Racial Justice.
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