“Not having a group consciousness, whites often respond defensively when grouped with other whites, resenting what they see as unfair generalizations. Individualism prevents us from seeing ourselves as responsible for or accountable to other whites as members of a shared racial group that collectively benefits from racial inequality.” IndividualismWhitenessRacial InjusticeRacial IdentityGeneralizations Book:What Does It Mean to Be White?: Developing White Racial Literacy Source: What Does It Mean to Be White?: Developing White Racial Literacy
“Because whites are not socialized to see ourselves collectively, we don't see our group's history as relevant. Therefore, we expect people of color to trust us as soon as they meet us. We don't see ourselves as having to earn that trust.” Race RelationsWhitenessRace Relations In AmericaRacial IdentityHistorical Contexts Book:What Does It Mean to Be White?: Developing White Racial Literacy Source: What Does It Mean to Be White?: Developing White Racial Literacy