And finally:
Q: If you don’t stop talking about White racism—and in that tone!—I’m going to cry!
A: Ah, yes, that fabled White fragility and those fabled White tears about which we’ve heard so much, which are such a great conversation-stopper and work so well to keep us all walking on eggshells.
When I was a wee child in that all-White neighborhood where I grew up, one of my playmates was a sturdy and athletic little boy named Mac, a great kid with a good heart and a solid sense of right and wrong. Mac was only to be feared if someone or something made him cry, whether on purpose or accidentally, because once Mac started crying, there was going to be violence—kids had better scatter, because he would lash out at whoever was nearest, regardless of size. Did I mention he was sturdy? He could hurt you.
Historically, when White people have cried—especially when White women have cried—Black people have gotten hurt, or killed. Everyone knows this. White people especially know this, hence White tears as such a great conversation-stopper. But then, as your great-great-grandmother might have said if she wasn’t really White, a hit dog will holler.
Actually, everyone knows that, too.
Shall we begin?
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