Maya Rupert explains why this tact is counterproductive in combating racism.  “White people are an absolutely crucial component in the discussion and actions that must take place in order for concrete progress to occur, particularly in the current political climate. But in order for their participation to be valuable, they must be willing to confront white supremacy head-on rather than by way of harmful mental gymnastics. There is no way to productively ask a person to participate in an argument that questions their equality as an epistemological experiment. . . . [I]n matters of race, asking a person of color to refrain from feeling any pain while you disparage them on someone else’s behalf is not an intellectual exercise; it’s an act of cruelty.  To read the complete essay, click here.