Why Talking to White People About Race is Draining
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In this conversation on race, LeRon talks to Simma about why it\\u2019s often draining for him to talk to a lot of white people about race. Simma and LeRon agree that allies are important and that it\\u2019s more effective for a white person to talk to another white person about race and racism in order to educate them, and raise their level of understanding.\\xa0
LeRon and Simma both believe that you have to go where people are at and not assume they know more than they do. However people need to be called on racist, homophobic, etc. statements. Being an ally and intervening can mean losing friends and even family members who want to hold on to hate. LeRon says he won\\u2019t sit with certain family members who insist on making homophobic remarks.
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It\\u2019s usually more effective for someone to hear about race issues, racism and bias from someone who is more like them in some way. That\\u2019s true for LGBTQ and homophobia. A straight person will be less defensive and more open to listen to another straight person.
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Other topics are the challenges of talking about race and racism, race and d vegetarianism and whether Chicago pizza is better than New York pizza.
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