The aspect of this article that seems really important in making meaningful progress is the writer’s distinction between personal racial animosity and an inherently biased system. I am a 65-year-old white woman. I used to bristle at at hearing white people termed “racist” because I took it as a personal insult. I didn’t (and don’t) treat others badly on the basis of race or ethnicity. Being called racist made me, and probably most people, immediately defensive.

But when the issue is cast as how can white people join in the battle to re-form a racist system to be more just and equitable for everyone, then I can be an ally in fighting the good fight.