Jessica
Jessica
Jul 23, 2017 · 2 min read

I am white, but your disinterest does not make me angry. I think your anger is wholly justified. I also know you don’t care what I think, nor should I expect you to. Because I will never know what it’s like to be born with a target on my back. Period.

I'm ashamed that I benefit from white privilege. I'm ashamed that a presidential candidate officially endorsed by the KKK was even eligible to run for president, much less get elected.

My empathy and outrage, whilst sincere, is utterly useless in application and meaningless to you personally, because ultimately I’ll never understand even one iota of your reality; being black in a country with ubiquitous, deep-seated, overtly oppressive racism.

As a woman, I am ashamed when people compare sexism to racism in this country. Yes, internationally, there are many countries where being born female indicates the cards are automatically stacked against you. But the US is not one of those countries. Not even close. I can’t imagine even intimating that the relatively miniscule disadvantages we incur due to sexism (e.g., income inequality), are in any way commensurate to a daily reality wherein an innocent individual is incarcerated or killed by a police officer, without any consequences. Just because he was black.

Again, I know my sentiments are of no value to you, nor should they be. However, I wanted to express my sincere gratitude for what you’ve written. I wish every white person would read your message, and absorb it to the greatest extent possible.

I am genuine in wanting to help "fix the situation," but admit my ignorance. At present, I don't know what else to do other than continue to exercise my right to vote. However, I would be humbled if you could provide me with edification on how to proceed.