Dear Fellow White People

         This week’s readings on active listening was very interesting to read about. One article that I really enjoyed was written by Rebecca Hains and titled, “Dear Fellow White People”. The author does a fantastic job pulling in and engaging readers about their implicit biases. Hains creates a ‘safe space’ in her article by connecting with her “fellow white people”. She does this by stating, “[S]wallow your pride. It’s hard. Don’t interrupt or justify yourself; you’re not on trial” (Hains). This allows the reader to connect to those feelings and motivates them to want to do better. Throughout the article the author focuses on how one should react when they have been called a racist. She lists five steps on what to do after you being called a racist. First, what happened in the moment. Second, remember the broader context. Third, stay calm and ask for clarification. Fourth, really listen on the answer received. Lastly, express gratitude. I believe these steps will lead one in the right direction to overcome implicit biases. 

Hains, Rebecca. “Perspective | Dear Fellow White People: Here's What to Do When You're Called Racist.” The Washington Post, WP Company, 23 Aug. 2019, https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/dear-fellow-white-people-heres-what-to-do-when-youre-called-racist/2019/08/20/6e31941a-beda-11e9-b873-63ace636af08_story.html.