Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?: And Other Conversations About Race

Some Americans feel there is already too much talk about racial issues, but Tatum argues that we need much more. Many White people avoid talking about racism out of fear of becoming isolated from friends and family, fear of being rejected by others who don’t like what they say, or fear of exposing their own ignorance by saying the wrong thing. People of color can also be afraid to talk about racism. It can be terrifying to broach the subject without knowing how others will respond. Sometimes there is the fear that speaking up will accomplish nothing, leaving them angry and frustrated once again. Both White people and people of color need to overcome their fears and take the risk of speaking up.

For a person of color, staying silent can mean internalizing one’s own oppression. They may deny their experiences with racism and place the blame on themselves. For a White person, the pressure to not notice racism means that their own racial identity and privilege are left unexamined. Breaking the silence can be empowering, but it also takes courage to push past the fear. Tatum recommends for each person to focus on their own sphere of influence.