“Because we tend to see ourselves as individuals, rather than as white individuals, we proceed as if power dynamics are not at play in our cross-racial interactions. We don’t understand that we bring our histories with us into these interactions, and they are histories of harm. We represent not only ourselves but all the other white people who have hurt their friends of color. If we want to be the one in ten Oluo holds hope for, we will need to earn that trust, not expect it.”
