Black culture and the role racism plays in black American history are discussed at length in the national dialogue around race relations. We regularly debate use of the “n-word,” for example, and the impact of historical racism on outcomes for black Americans. In fact, black culture comes up in conversations about everything from mental health and homophobia to how parents discipline their kids. On the other hand, the role that white culture plays in our society often goes without remark.
Robin DiAngelo is a professor of multicultural education at Westfield State University and the author of What Does it Mean to be White? For over two decades, she has consulted and conducted trainings on issues of racial and social justice. [...]
Gawker spoke with DiAngelo recently to discuss what it means to be white in 21st Century America and the role whiteness plays in the current national debate over policing.
