White exceptionalism, shame, and guilt are all very real emotions. If you are feeling any of these feelings, I think it is important to sit with them, see them for what they are, then turn them into action. Denying them, and not giving them room, will not lead you to action and want to change. You have to forgive yourself for what you didn't know, or weren't taught, or what you allowed, then accept the responsibility that there is so much more to learn and it starts with you. I have identified with all three of these areas myself. It's not enough to just be not-racist. We have to be anti-racist. By looking at the color of my skin, people don't know what side I stand on. It is up to me to use my voice to not leave any room for those to wonder.
@Ashley Guinn Thanks for saying the piece about forgiving oneself for what one doesn't know or weren't taught. Good to not get caught up in the shame/blame piece since that can lead to not moving into a more productive anti-racism place. I'm so grateful for these training modules!