Although I have always spoken out when I have heard discriminatory comments (be they racist, sexist or homophobic), and I model this in the classroom too- I think there is always more that I could have done.
I have been very open to people about the racism my children have experienced inside school in Singapore and out and about and have forced difficult conversations as a result- worth noting that I have sensed from some that they think I am exaggerating, 'hypersensitive'' etc.
As a white mother of two black children, I have abhorred people who have come up to me and said "Ah- you're such a good person" as though adoption was a charitable act and I am some kind of selfless philanthropist. And I have gone to lengths to counter this perception.
White exceptionalism because I am a white mother with black children? I don't like to think so-- but maybe if and adoptive parent who wasn't an educator or social justice centered in outlook might feel this way.
I have a few friends who bear the weight of white guilt quite heavily - as expats in various countries- so I know what that looks like. I can understand it but I don't feel it like these friends do. Again, maybe because I am actively promoting otherwise thinking and educating.
