How To Discuss Race With Black People: FAQ Part 3 — Advanced
5'7 Black Male
8610

Outstanding, I am adding it to my list of must-reads for white folks who are trying to unplug from the matrix.

I do want to add some nuance to one of your points from back in FAQ part 1, specifically the point about “ISN’T IT RACIST TO TELL ME MY OPINION ISN’T NECESSARY/WANTED BECAUSE I’M WHITE?” I hope you’ll hear me out and help me say it even better if what I say seems wrong.

I agree it’s not racist to say that, and I agree with most of your answer, but I feel that some other parts are a bit off and can unnecessarily turn off some well-intentioned people. Let me try to explain, borrowing from your style:

Q: IS IT TRUE THAT “black ideas and speech have historically required white validation”?
A: True that.

Q: IS IT TRUE THAT “Whites as a group have dominated all public discourse in America for centuries”?

A: No doubt about it. Still happens.

Q: IS IT ACCURATE TO SAY THAT “By and large, white people still feel the need to put in their two cents instead of listening.”
A: Partly true. Yes, by and large white people still feel the need to put in their two cents. But adding “instead of listening” is throwing out the baby with the bath water. The first part of the sentence does not imply the second, it is an unnecessary generalization.

Q: DO YOU AGREE THAT “Often the best contribution you can make is listening and hearing.”

A: Abso-f’ing-lutely.

Q: DO YOU AGREE WITH THE CONCLUSION THAT “No. Its just not about you right now, and that’s ok.”
A: Partly. I agree that if you are asked to shut up it’s not racist, in most contexts. But unless you want a closed-door monologue among one group of people, you have to welcome other people’s opinions. Yes, the world is full of a-holes who never learned that “there is a reason why we have two ears but only one mouth.” But sometimes as a white person it’s hard not to feel like comments and suggestions are unwelcome, and that’s not good. I know a lot of white people who are making a genuine effort to read, to learn, to support, to help, and yes, sometimes, to put in their two cents’ worth. Discouraging that is, in my opinion, counter-productive.

TL;DR — It’s OK to voice your opinion, but make sure you listen before opening your mouth. And don’t be insulted if someone asks you to shut up.