I want to tell white people that it’s okay to not say anything about the Chauvin trial to your Black friends and acquaintances or to your other people of color friends and acquaintances, unless you’re continuing a conversation about racism you already started with those friends. And if you are continuing such a conversation, it’s not a terrible idea to let them to bring up the topic (but if you’re good friends, you can probably dive right in).
I like this post and intend to share it. The message is very clear; don’t be afraid to have the conversation. So many emotions from the verdict for me, but I do not want to be patronized by my white friends; just talk to me straight as we try to get to a deeper understanding.
Flo – Exactly. Most white people don’t realize how patronizing it feels when a white person we don’t know starts talking to us about how outrageous racism is or how relieved they are that there was justice-esque outcome (as with Chauvin). Actually, I don’t always respond well even if it’s a good friend. I felt very prickly yesterday. I didn’t want to hear an emotional response to the verdict from any white people at all, friends or otherwise. Maybe that’s unfair of me, but I was only willing to talk/text about it with other Black people and people of color.