Hi. Middle class white kid here. I try to recognize privilege, I want to fight racism institutionally and personally., I see/hear a lot of people saying stuff like 2b. People (read: white people and "minorities") who are aware must be active in engaging the people and environments who are subject to the construct in question. Part of mk 's suggestion (2a,b) But I've never fully understood what it means. Could you clarify? Maybe give an example? What can I do to confront these behaviors, to engage those who are subject to the construct?2a. People (read: white people and "minorities") who are aware and are active in environments where these behaviors manifest must confront them on an individual basis.
I'm not telling you to go out and be a crusader for social justice. I'm saying that you can effect the spaces you already occupy. Maybe you play Xbox Live with your friends, maybe one of your friends likes to make disparaging comments about ethnic groups, tell him to cut that shit out and don't tolerate it. Things of that nature. Maybe you dont have any direct contact with African Americans, maybe all you know is from media portrayal. It'd probably be a good idea to find a teacher and ask difficult questions you may have in a genuine manner and learn something. Maybe goto events organized by other ethnic groups and listen to them talk about their experiences. These are things you should be able to do to some degree.