I think there are many reasons why a person may not want to discuss racism. It depends why you want to discuss it with me and how well I know you. Some people don’t give it a thought, maybe they just don’t know any black or ethnic minorities. It is possible to live in parts of the UK and never see a non-white face except on TV. If you don’t feel qualified to talk about racism, why should you be made to? People might be frightened of being caught out, not know the correct terminology and don’t want to offend. In which case it’s best to remain quiet.
I believe there is racial bias in our society. I believe that’s because racial diversity is very new to our country. Our country is built on about 900 years of not having much racial diversity and having a strong Ethnic English culture. It’s not our fault, we need to change but forcing it is making the alt right stronger.
I don’t want to be accused of benefiting from white privilege because I just don’t think I ever have. I grew up in a northern mining town with no none white faces. There were limited opportunities in life, and still are, my ancestors were all dirt poor, worked in horrendous conditions, if they weren’t in the poor house or getting hung for stealing sheep. One of my grandparents had siblings die of malnutrition, the other had a sibling die because they couldn’t afford a doctor. How am I responsible for slavery when my forefathers were little more than slaves themselves? As soon as someone talks about how I’ve benefited from white privilege I get offended. I have a strong working class accent, it ought to be clear to anyone whoever hears me talk that I’ve not had much privilege in my life.
I also don’t like this focussing on our differences and the aggressive nature of BLM. I will not support their methods but That doesn’t make me racist. I also don’t like being bullied into making statements of any kind, even those I support. I think it’s a nasty tactic and I’m not going to be made to talk about racism or take a stand/knee.
I felt the same about clapping for the NHS. I love the NHS but being pressured into rattling pans and spoons every Thursday to show I care, made me think half the people bleating on about how wonderful the NHS were just virtue signalling. They didn’t give a shiny shit about the NHS, it’s just a way to make them feel good. I feel the same about white people who virtue signal how much they support BLM. And corporations that come out and support BLM or pride etc. I think cynically they do it because they think it’s good for sales. I don’t think they care either way tbh, and I feel a loss of respect for them.
Most people I suspect just want to get on with their lives in peace with those around them, friends and colleagues. They really don’t care what colour skin you are, or what god you pray to. It’s like the bottom of the list of things to worry about when you meet someone. And then I don’t think most people worry about skin colour/religion do they?