Bill: So Pakistani? I'm a landlord too. Can I tell you a story about what my Indian tenant did to me?

Me: I don't need to kno—

Bill: So I raise her rent & she won't renew. So I tell her I have to bring in people to see the apt. But every time I'd bring a prospective tenant, she'd invite her Black friends to the apt.

Me: Uhh ok?

Bill: Don't you get it? No one wants to rent a place w/Black people around.

Me: Wait, I'm sorry, what?

Bill: Can you believe it? She did that on purpose!

Me:😳

/2

Me: Yeah, Bill. That's pretty racist. In fact, that's the definition of racism.

Bill: Oh no I'm not racist. The prospective tenants might be. But—

Me: You can probably stop talking. I'm good.

Bill: I need to pay my bills. Who cares if they're racist?

[He Kept Talking]

Bill: I can't be racist. I've dated Black women.

Me: Bill you should really stop. This dialogue doesn't need to go on.

Bill: But how can I convince you I'm not racist?

Me: You do not have to worry about me.

IN CLOSING

/3

4 lessons I want to point out:

First, he didn't see himself as racist b/c he "dated Black women"
•LESSON 1: Proximity to race isn't exemption from being racist

Second, he didn't mind racist tenants b/c it paid his bills
•LESSON 2: Financial power structures built on white supremacy perpetuate white supremacy

Third, he felt like he was the victim
•LESSON 3: Racists in power are used to privilege their entire lives, so equality feels like oppression

/4

Fourth, he desperately needed my validation & was upset I wouldn't offer it
•LESSON 4: It's not enough to be not racist, we must be anti-racist (Angela Davis)

Bill finally left feeling he'd been wronged & upset I wouldn't empathize.

This was an anecdote—but imagine this shameless racism played out across 50 states, hundreds of years, millions of housing units? That's systemic.

The fight for justice & equal access is ongoing. Stay active, stay engaged, and always speak truth & justice.

5/5

@Mari311 @cepaea @QasimRashid
I think where it goes off the rails is when "Brooklyn" is not a sufficient answer.

"No, where are you FROM from? Originally?"

That's the "I don't see you as an American, you must be a foreigner".