TO: YOU, LADY
FROM: Me, Tanita
I know you want to argue that what you said wasn’t racist. NO. We are not doing that.
I wasted HOURS this weekend wondering how I should have responded to your comments, hours wondering if I had somehow inadvertently created an atmosphere that felt safe and comfortable for your inimical remarks. I agonized on how I should have worded my push back, crafted a five-page letter explaining and discussing with imaginary you how what you said was distasteful and discouraging.
And yet, I doubt you thought about your throwaway comment ONCE. As Toni Morrison said, ” the very serious function of racism is distraction.”
How deeply I resent you for wasting my time – in the sanctuary, no less. Please do me the courtesy of never speaking to me again. No, seriously, please.
Be blessed, as I wish every person to be, but also? Be far, SO very, very far away from me.
Let there be spaces in our togetherness that last for miles.