Except that your honest, sincere question is hysterical and impossible to take seriously in the context of this article. The title of the article is actually "I don't know what to do with good white people." And you are literally asking, "So what do I do with myself as a good white person?" Maybe start by figuring…

"It's meant to make white people feel inadequate..." really? I took this piece as an opportunity to learn and think about my own participation in various forms of social justice work. I certainly don't have all the answers except that giving up isn't the right one.

When someone questions your motives, maybe it is, in fact, time to step back and ask yourself, well, what ARE my motives? When white people get really vocal about things like this, there are in fact lots of possible motives and that detracts from the fight.

As long as you are doing the right thing because you know it is the right thing, then you are being an ally. The frustration expressed in this piece comes from people who do the right thing not because it is right, but because they want the attention and praise that comes from doing the right thing, and they actively…

I certainly don't see where I insulted you? Or said you have offended me? The internet is a tricky place, and I do have a tendency to speak a bit intensely.

Bullshit.

That's not at all what she is saying and if that is what you are taking out of this essay, you're a part of the problem.

Regarding your enumerated comment (3): I (white woman) have been asked to participate in a "die-in" organized by POC in Seattle, WA. POC leaders of marches/rallies have also led chants (that take on a life of their own) like "I can't breathe" or "Who are we? Mike Brown!" that white people have chanted as well. I did…

I can't really think of a situation where only 1% of POC would find something racist and the rest wouldn't. But I guess in the name of hypotheticals, if you don't feel like something is racist but a POC does, you should respect that person's views. If you say they're wrong for feeling the way they do then you've…

Just do your job. Be sensitive to those kids and understand that you can't FULLY know what they're going through, but that's okay. You're not expected to know exactly what it's like. You're trying to help them. That's what matters. Let them speak, don't assume you know things about them because you've worked with kids…

Thanks. I know about Tim Wise, but he seems to be "too important" to be interested in what I'm thinking about, and you're right, he's got some issues. I'll just keep collecting the info I see from POC about being an ally, and maybe compile that into something that works for local/community outreach to people who…

I must admit I was only able to skim this article so far, but here's a quote that stood out: I'm not saying don't support and/or participate , I'm saying make sure how you do so makes sense for you as a white person and doesn't harm the cause you claim to support."

OK wow, I feel like we read different articles. What I got from that post was very clear, easy to follow instructions on how, as a white person, I could better participate in rallies as an ally.

Thank you! This essay also made me a bit uncomfortable. I decided that is a good thing. Your comment helped me analyze my actions a lot. I went back and reviewed anything I have posted on social media to see if I was trying to get too much credit etc. I think maybe thats a good thing to be forced to do - go back…

I have some issues with the term "ally". I think it would be a lot simpler to be "not a hateful, bigoted POS". Maybe it just reminds me of those weird moments when whites of my grandparents generation had to reference MLK everytime they talked to a black person.

Yes! There is waaaaay too much defensiveness in these comments. It's really embarrassing. I absolutely agree that there are so many resources to lean how to be an ally. Thanks for the post. You said what I was thinking but unable to put into words.

The onus shouldn't be on the oppressed, but the onus is on the oppressed, whether we like it or not.

so,no rightful anger and criticism? anyways,it's too much of a cost emotionally and psychologically. i also think that the onus shouldn't be on the "teacher" to be all kumbaya while the person spouts all kinds of hurtful things and expects to be coddled into not being racist,sexist etc. with all of that privilege*,a…

#AllLivesMatter needs to die and go to hell. What a good example of the "good intentions" of white folks completely diminishing the struggles and lived experiences of POC.

This has given me all the feels. I am struggling not to cut all of the white people out of my life (kind of hard, given I'm married to a white man) and many of those people are "good white people." They are shocked at racism and racist behavior— so much so they I get links to racist posts on websites because they…