African American Literature professor, Lauren Michele Jackson, questions the value of workshops like those conducted by White Fragility author, Robin DiAngelo.  She quotes DiAngelo saying, “To address whiteness properly, white people must ‘turn towards and away’ from whiteness, ‘turning towards their role and responsibility in these histories of racism” as they “turn away from themselves, and towards others.’  Jackson sees too often white willingness to make one turn but not the other.  She quotes feminist scholar Sara Ahmed who argues that “putting whiteness into speech … however critically, is not an anti-racist action.” Declaring that whiteness exists—for others or oneself—does not, itself, do anything. Saying “I have privilege” does not do anything besides make the speaker feel good, and feeling good is anathema to social change.”  To read the complete article in Slate click here.