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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Comment
Sisonke Msimang

Am I being racist by saying people of colour can be racist? Isn’t racism towards white people a thing?

Black and white cutout of Sisonke Mismang for her advice column
‘Sometimes a question is not just a question. Sometimes, a question is not innocent’, writes Sisonke Msimang. Composite: ediebloom/Guardian Design

Dear Ms Understanding,

So, my friend and I got into an argument earlier today. I’m white and she’s black, and I was explaining how I think it’s upsetting that a lot of people of colour say it’s impossible to be racist towards white people, since “you can’t oppress the oppressor”. I feel like having a specific opinion on someone purely based on their skin colour is wrong, no matter who’s judging and who’s being judged.

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