I've read some of the summaries at rilna's, and I think I may just keep on reading. Reason being:
I want to suggest that white people don't have to choose between slotting ourselves into a story about racial prejudice as the Victim or being forced into the role of the Evil Oppressor. There's a third option, a third role that one can identify with: The Person The Story Is Not About.
Nail. Head. I have always been rather uncomfortable when the subject of racial distinctions and racism comes up because I know that as a white person, I cannot grasp it, and nothing in my experience is really analagous. But I always feel that need to offer up some personal anecdote to make conversation, when, like you said - it really isn't about me.
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Date: 2006-06-05 10:04 pm (UTC)I want to suggest that white people don't have to choose between slotting ourselves into a story about racial prejudice as the Victim or being forced into the role of the Evil Oppressor. There's a third option, a third role that one can identify with: The Person The Story Is Not About.
Nail. Head. I have always been rather uncomfortable when the subject of racial distinctions and racism comes up because I know that as a white person, I cannot grasp it, and nothing in my experience is really analagous. But I always feel that need to offer up some personal anecdote to make conversation, when, like you said - it really isn't about me.
Active listening seems to be a better approach.