Research Guides: Rutgers-Camden Anti-Racism Book Study: So You Want to Talk About Race: Chapter 16

Chapter 16 - I just got called racist, what do I do now?

White Fragility

Being called racist can be upsetting. The resources in this section are focused on the concept of "white fragility," or the discomfort and defensiveness many white people feel when discussing their role in systemic racism.

CNN, "How 'White Fragility' Supports Racism And How White People Can Stop It"
The Guardian, "Academic Robin DiAngelo: 'We Have To Stop Thinking About Racism As Someone Who Says The N-Word'"
The New Yorker, "A Sociologist Examines The White Fragility That Prevents White Americans From Confronting Racism"
Teaching Tolerance, "What’s My Complicity? Talking White Fragility With Robin DiAngelo"
Elle, "Why are White Women So Terrified of Being Called Racist?"
The Atlantic, "The Dehumanizing Condescension of White Fragility"

How To Apologize

How do you apologize when you've said or done something racist? While there is no "one size fits all" apology, the links below provide some guidance.

WikiHow, "How to Apologize for a Racist Comment"