A Closer Look at 'White Fragility' Theory

Eliz abeth* is a progressive activist who signed up for a multi-day racial equity training course. The organizers opened by telling participantsâ?"which included white, black, and multi-racial peopleâ?"that they were creating a safe space to discuss difficult topics. However, white attendees were then informed that, as beneficiaries of institutional racism, they were complicit in racial injustice and that expressions of dismay or guilt were inappropriate and unwelcome. "I'm tired," announced the course leader, "of white women's tears." During the course, Elizabethâ?"who is whiteâ?"kept many of her feelings to herself. Morgan, a progressive leader in a voter organizing coalition, also learned over time to hold her tongue. "I can't disagree publicly with one of my peers of color," she said, without the risk of being perceived as a racist." A biologist working on rural land management made a similar comment, noting that several colleagues had moved on as disagreements with a black manager about species at risk got interpreted through a racial lens. Peter, a white male, sat on the board of an environmental organization known for strong ? Read Full Article »