For me this brings back Attorney General Holder's comments “We are a Nation of Cowards.” Cowardice is a result of fear, no? I cannot tell you how many people have said to me that they would rather chew on tinfoil than to share their thoughts on race; no good can come of it; let it go, move on. I know this because I was one of them.

I’ve personally grown leaps and bounds since discussing race. And through these discussions, I’ve learned that miles and miles are still left for me to go before I come close to learning everything.

My own conclusion is that many whites like myself have to LISTEN and LEARN about the history of race and racism and where we are in our present day. Understanding white privilege was my most important lesson. To recognize what I take for granted that others struggle with on a daily basis shed light on everything in the world around me. It made me slow down and recognize the challenges not only of people of color, but also the challenges of homosexuals, transgendered, the disabled, immigrants, and seniors (a discussion with commenter Nezua helped me to better see these things.)

So while this fear may be real, I believe that it is the responsibility of white people to educate themselves on their own privilege and history to have a true grasp on the reality of racism. To do this will perhaps alleviate their fear and replace it with confidence for a more comfortable and sound discussion.

To pull back in fear is a crime to ourselves.