I sincerely appreciate your thoughtfulness and the fact that you even took the time to write your article and to respond. This is much more than what usually happens and I'm grateful for this chance to have an exchange with a decent human being.

I think we have very similar thoughts although they are coming from two different sides of the fence. Black people have been fighting being seen as a monolithic group for centuries. We have all been classified as lazy, lying, shiftless, thieves and criminals and our men suffer from the conditioning that they should be feared simply because of their size and color. I definitely understand the frustration from being seen as a monolithic group and I do understand your point.

It has to be difficult for White people who are not inherently racist to come to grips with the fact that they may have slave owners in their lineages who committed atrocious acts against enslaved people. I would submit that that realization comes with a level of trauma that deserves empathy and compassion, particularly if the person has a care for all of humanity.

I can only speak for myself when it comes to writing about racism, but I can safely say that most who write about it do not use the world "all" when speaking of White people, but often White people will attribute the all-inclusive mindset to our words. Personally, I have never used that term because after being lumped into a monolith the last thing I want to do is to do that to other humans. What I DO say is that systemic racism unequivocally exists and that it's distracting to have to keep placating White people in the process. There are harsh truths that need to be seen. Yes, they will be painful and difficult but I assure you being the physical target for racism is also quite a difficult and trying cross to bear. No one in this equation escapes unscathed and if we are to work together, it is important to not place importance on either side. Both must be willing to be empathetic to one another in order to get anywhere.

I'm not trying to reach the racist republicans you speak of. Speaking to racists drains energy and takes time away from the very real fight we are engaging in of saving the lives of our children. We simply don't have time for that and those who force us to engage (like someone in your comments that I blocked) don't understand that. Why would we discuss something with someone who is only present to deny and belittle the problem? These type of people have an agenda and it's not directed at humanity for all. It takes all kinds to make a world and as someone who is trying to be an agent for change, I have to be able to discern who has good intentions and who does not.

I believe you do have good intentions, whether I agree with your complete philosophy or not. I respect that you are coming from a position that I am not familiar with and I respect your thoughts as a human being and as a woman. I'm not sure if you are a mother, but women have a connection that I believe is the key to creating a better world. We raise the next generations and we have the power to teach our children empathy, understanding, and the importance of equality for all humans.

My intent is not to paint every White person or their ancestors as monsters. Unless anyone has documented history of their family's participation of enslaving humans, we do not know what transpired in every family. I know many White people who are kind, loving, and empathic human beings who work alongside me to create equal conditions for all people. I'm mature and adult enough to understand that speaking in absolute terms has no place in any conversation. My goal is to ensure that the history of my ancestors is not minimized or disregarded, plain and simple. We also have desires for our children not to grow up being seen in the negative light that is painted by some in this country and for them to understand that their ancestors did not choose or enjoy being enslaved and how they bravely fought for us to have a freedom they could only dream of. BOTH stories need to be told, but not to coddle one or the other, just because the truth is what matters.

Thanks again for your thoughtful article and response. I sincerely appreciate it.