Dear Racist,

   At first I wanna say that I know you don't think you're racist, but I'm writing this letter to let you know that you couldn't be more wrong.  To help, I'm gonna give you a few tools of analysis.  The first is, if you've ever said "I'm not racist because . . ."

1. I have a Black friend
2. I listen to rap
3. I used to live in ______ (insert a very Black place like Kenya or Baltimore)
4. I speak Ebonics
5. I insist they check my receipt at the Walmart exit because I know they usually let white people pass (I heard this yesterday and the individual was completely serious).
6. I date Black people
7. or ANYthing else . . . you're racist.

   I'm sorry to report that if this phrase has slipped out of your mouth, regardless of the conclusion, you are indeed a racist.  The second litmus test also has to do with the words that come out of your mouth.  Hint:  If you say racist shit, you're racist.  Let me clarify, if you say things that are offensive and racially charged to people of color (or anyone for that matter) even if you don't think they're offensive, you're racist.  The reason why you don't think they're offensive is because you're part of the privileged majority institutionally trained NOT to see the color bias of the institution itself.  As far as racial sensitivity goes, consider yourself Helen Keller.  I, in no way, want to insult the wonderful Helen Keller with this statement.  I just intend to point out that you are both blind and deaf to the spectrum of prejudice that regularly confronts Black people in America.  You don't see it.  You don't hear it, and it's not because it is not there.

   I know you pride yourself on being open-minded and you've tried to create racial awareness, which is commendable.  However, if you refuse to respect and validate the perspective or feelings of those under constant attack within the minority community, you are racist.  You are part of the hostile environment created by the institution.  You are part of the machine.  You are just another spindle or pulley making people feel small by invalidating their experience.

   Lastly, and this is not a requirement, if people of color have a difficult time getting along with you, don't like you, would rather not spend time with you, want to disguise themselves under black hoods and do mean things to you, want to burn crosses on your lawn, or just want to shoot you, ask yourself why.  Because you're probably a racist. 

   Let me just say that if, during the course of this letter, you have realized you're racist, please know that change is plausible and possible.  As the alcoholics say, the first step is recognizing you have a problem.

Ever the optimist,
Me