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Recognizing and acknowledging your privilege is one thing, but I also think that people need to recognize and acknowledge their capability to do great evil. Every human being is capable of doing great evil and causing great harm and pretending that you are an exception is denial.
How many white people's first reaction to a white person committing a racist act is to think "that could have been me"?
How many men see stories of sexual assault and think "I'm capable of hurting someone like that"?
Most people's first reaction is "I would never do that!"
How many men see stories of sexual assault and think "I'm capable of hurting someone like that"?
Most people's first reaction is "I would never do that!"
We can broadcast our repulsion about horrific violence, but what good does it actually do?
We can proclaim that we would never do anything like that, but who does that help?
We can proclaim that we would never do anything like that, but who does that help?
Honestly, if one week ago Amy Cooper saw a video of another white woman doing what she did, I wouldn't be surprised if she would think "I would never do that!"
In her apology* she said, "I'm not a racist."
*It was a terrible apology
In her apology* she said, "I'm not a racist."
*It was a terrible apology
Here's the thing: You're capable of hurting people. And you will hurt people. And that's why it's important to be actively working to know yourself, listen to others, serve others, stand by those who need help, and learn how to apologize and improve and repair harm.
