White Perspectives on Racism in FIRST

[cadandcookies]

First off, I'm sorry. The title is somewhat deliberately inflammatory. That is, however, intentional. Second, thank you for clicking through. I don't post threads here very often for as much as I like to read other peoples'.

I'm making this thread because it seems like a lot of people who don't necessarily identify as a person of color want to contribute to the recently posted thread on FIRST Experiences as a Person of Color.

I get it, this is a particularly touchy subject for a lot of people, and it's certainly an important discussion to have, and I'm personally of the opinion that, while all sorts of voices should be heard on this subject, it's also important to respect peoples' boundaries. I'll add to this thread more of my opinions on the subject if it takes off, but I'd also like to say that, despite the title, anyone is invited to participate in this discussion, whatever the color of your skin, whatever your ethnic or cultural background, whatever your context is. The thread title is intended as an attention-getter and (to a lesser extent), a discussion point, not as a rule.

Particularly there were a few posts about trying to be an ally to people of color, and some posts on the white perception of racism in different areas of the US that I think would be better suited to this thread than the other one. The intent of that thread is pretty clear, and should be respected.

Please try to be conscious of the diverse perspectives that might manifest in this thread-- we all have our different contexts, and though those might differ significantly, it doesn't benefit anyone to shout down others for being too, for lack of a better descriptor, liberal or conservative when it comes to this discussion. Losing our civility doesn't do anyone good.