Equity+Definitions

The point of identifying and exposing inconsistencies within the social systems and cultural norms of the United States isn’t to make whites feel guilty, but to garner greater empathy that will inspire change. The main problem with white guilt is that it attempts to diminish the spotlight aimed at issues germane to marginalized groups and redirects the focus to a wasteful plane of apologetics and ineffective assessment. This is why some don’t like discussing racism, as those more sensitive to these matters sometimes allow guilt to creep into their thought processes, effectively evoking pangs of discomfort. This can lead to avoidance of the primary issues altogether, as well as the manifestation of defense mechanisms, including denial, projection, intellectualization, and rationalization.

a widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing
 * Stereotype**:

preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience
 * Prejudice:**


 * Discrimination: **

the unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people or things, especially on the grounds of race, age, or sex

**Oppression:** Institutional use of power and privilege to benefit one group over another


 * Privilege: **

a special right, advantage, or immunity granted or available only to a particular person or group of people.

**Ally**: A member of a privileged group who stands up for a less-privileged group

a state in which even a minimum amount of racial stress becomes intolerable, triggering a range of defensive moves such as anger, fear and guilt and behaviours such as argumentation, silence and avoidance
 * White Fragility: **

the individual or collective guilt felt by some white people for harm resulting from racist treatment of ethnic minorities by other white people both historically and currently.
 * White Guilt: **

to explain or comment on something in a condescending, overconfident, and often inaccurate or oversimplified manner, from the perspective of the group one identifies with
 * Whitesplain**