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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Lifestyle
Eleanor Gordon-Smith

How do I respond to someone who says ‘I’m not racist, but ... ’?

Painting: Susanna and the Elders by Artemisia Gentileschi (1652).
‘You leave people in their bubble when you don’t tell them you disagree. You help them carry on thinking, “most people are on the same page”.’ Painting: Susanna and the Elders by Artemisia Gentileschi (1652). Illustration: Artelan/Alamy

How do I respond to someone who contributes to a conversation with “I’m not racist, but … ” and then inevitably proceeds to say something racist, such as talking about immigrants on benefits or getting priority for housing?

I’m referring to social occasions with people that I am not necessarily close to but rather acquaintances I may bump into semi-regularly. I feel myself getting simultaneously angry and tongue-tied and I mostly sit with my frustration to maintain some sense of harmony in the group.

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