White author and educator Robin diAngelo discusses the issue of white people’s inability to acknowledge and understand their own racial identity (“white fragility”) and how that phenomenon contributes to racism and racial inequality. The author highlights that many white people struggle to articulate how their lives have been shaped by their race, which creates a hostile environment for people of color. The concept of “niceness” is explored, and diAngelo points out that white people often prioritize appearing nice and maintaining white comfort, which prevents them from addressing racial tensions and systemic racism. The article calls for white people to actively engage in anti-racist actions, challenge their socialization, and demonstrate a true commitment to racial equity.
