Sometimes white people should really just shut up and listen - News24

https://www.news24.com/news24/columnists/melanieverwoerd/melanie-verwoerd-sometimes-whites-should-really-just-shut-up-and-listen-20200715

"'My son, Wian, said to me this week

: "Black people have no choice when it comes to engaging with race - because it relates to their daily lived experience. White people on the other hand, have a choice whether - and how - to engage.'

So true.

As white people, we can ignore people like Ngidi or become defensive and patronising like Symcox and Dippenaar - and by doing so inflict more pain.

Alternatively, we can be part of a painful but rewarding process of healing and change. But this can only start the day we are willing to shut up and listen."

Melanie Verwoerd

15 July 2020