I can’t speak for any other Black writers who speak about racism, but I can speak for myself. I am a concerned mother with children who are in this world where racism is very real and very much alive and active, which puts them, particularly my 6’2 Black son in danger simply because of his appearance. His being a college graduate with summa cum laude status won’t protect him from being judged, unfortunately.

I see this a bit different although I acknowledge your stance and appreciate your thoughtful article. I have more of a problem with writers who could care less about the safety of Black men, women and children, and those who haven’t lifted a finger to make this world a better place but who instead spend time arguing and belittling me for sharing my experience as a Black woman and my desire to create a safer world for future generations.

These people have monetized discussing all the problems with those of us who are activists and write about race and see this as more of a fun way to get people triggered and make a few bucks than what it actually is - Black people fighting for our lives because we’ve been forced to.

Racism isn’t some made up fantasy that we have to doubt whether it exists or not. But with White people making it a left vs right argument instead of what it really is, which is a complete diss to humanity, it clouds the road for those of us actively trying to effect positive change.

If the conversation would shift from tone policing Black people and move toward what can we all do to come together and make the world better for our children that would be a much more fruitful conversation. I am a writer who does take the time to offer solutions and suggestions but people aren’t interested in that. They would rather argue with me about why I’m playing a victim. When I use sexism as an example that seems to help, but if I can be empathetic, why can’t everyone else?

This is why you see angry articles. BLACK PEOPLE ARE ANGRY. We are told what we experience is either in our heads or our fault. When we speak about it, we are told to “watch our tone or else people won’t listen”. How many White people have worried about watching their tone when they call us niggers? Or even when they are mad about something in their personal lives? It isn’t easy to tone police yourself when you are justifiably angry and it’s wrong for someone outside the situation to suggest that we do so.

Bottom line for me is I’ve seen more people jumping on this bandwagon to make money from saying White people are now the victims even though a White person’s ability to thrive in America has not been harmed in the SLIGHTEST nor are they being killed in the street because they are White.

Great article as always, Penguin.