Americans Are Not Mature Enough for a Conversation About Race

“We need to have a conversation about race” has become a common cliche in this country in regards to race relations. This phrase is commonly heard when listening to talking heads discuss current events surrounding race in America. America has shown me that a conversation about race is a complete waste of time and energy.

Anyone with an objective point of view understands that White supremacy and racism is a one way street. Black Americans have done all they can to live in this country peacefully yet we are constantly condescended, vilified and degraded. That’s the real reason that people want to have “conversations on race”. They use it as an opportunity to tell Black people what they really think under the guise of peacemaking. Black people continue to try and make peace and compromise in order to go along to get along and be accepted.

Black Americans need to talk to each other about how to improve their lives in America and other voices need to be ignored. Black people need to have a more positive inner dialogue. When non Black people defend their opinion in regards to race it is usually an unflattering opinion of Black people. As far as I’m concerned they are welcome to it. They are also welcome to stay out of my space.

Positive interactions with non Black people are possible but if you need to sit down with them and conversation about racist opinions they probably are not worth the trouble. I have not interest in talking someone out of their racism. As long as the are not affecting my life they are they are welcome to it.

I have no interest in helping anyone understand my point of view nor am I interested in coming to a understanding as far as race. What is hard to understand about me wanting to be valued as a human being and a woman. I don’t think I benefit from a conversation with that starting point.

If America wants to have a conversation on race it needs to apologize to descendants of African slaves and vow to do better. So far America continues to make excuses and be self righteous. The concerns and complaints of Black people are not heard. I choose not to participate in conversations where the other party refuses to listen because of perceived superiority.

Painful conversations require maturity and America does not have it. There is no real desire to do better because racism works out well for most Americans. The majority of Americans have shown Black people for centuries that they are not interested in justice or opening their minds to new ways of thinking that don’t center White comfort.

Even in this age of BLM most Americans continue to minimize the extent and affect of racism. There have been protests, riots and conversations on race yet racism prevails. Black people need to pay attention to the deliberate attempts to drown our voices in disingenuous conversations. America will never be without racism. The best Black Americans can do is to use the opportunities made possible by those that came before us and improve ourselves, our families and our communities. Do better on your own. Don’t wait for anyone else to do better.