When silence is better for white people

It matters when white people speak up about racism and their voices have greater reach than other voices.

Speaking out alone is not enough. How and what we say matters.

Speaking out is best when it’s done without regard for your self image. And it’s best when it’s done with a genuine desire to move others to act or to reflect in ways that promote racial equity.

If you’re speaking out against racism and you’re not meeting either of these criteria, that’s okay. Effort moves us in the right direction. Showing that you care enough to say something is helpful — unless you’re talking about actions that you will take.

Humans like to talk about the things we are going to do. Sometimes we do these things. Often we don’t.

White people, especially leaders, have a history of saying they are going to do things about racism and subsequently doing little or nothing. These words ring hollow. They creates disillusion. Disillusion creates apathy. Apathy preserves the status quo.

Silence is better.

Don’t say you are going to do something. Just do it.