Needless to say, this insulting myth has been repeatedly exposed. But the self-flagellation continues.
 
And driving at least some of it is fear, fear of seeming immature or politically naïve or somehow “irresponsible.”
 
Calling racism for what it is can certainly be uncomfortable and, to some, an emotionally draining exercise. And yes, it’s just as important that we guard against false blame or mis-labeling the complex problems facing us. And it should go without saying that taking agency over our lives and communities is critical, regardless of the prevalence of bigotry.
 
But there’s nothing wrong with finger-pointing when the real culprit is there to be identified. And there’s everything right about fighting, loudly, against the racism that is still very much with us—even when that fight is sure to draw the ire of those who prefer to think of racism less as an enduring social cancer than some rhetorical trick designed only to make others feel bad.
 
By itself, loud talk won’t do much, of course. But with political opponents around the country gearing up to yet again deny people of color a most fundamental right of citizenship, black folks especially need to be mindful that our silence will not save us.