‘I Didn’t Know That Was Racist’ – Are You Using ‘White Ignorance’ to Dodge Responsibility?

Have you ever said, “Oh, I didn’t know it was racist” when you were called out for racism?

It happens a lot. But is it really just a matter of not knowing any better, or are you using it to absolve yourself of responsibility for your part in racism?

Celia Edell has used this phrase, too – and she’s breaking down how all this relates to the philosophical term “white ignorance.” It’s important to understand this phenomenon so you can realize how you might perpetuate racism without meaning to, and why your lack of awareness doesn’t absolve you of responsibility.

So check out what Celia has to say, and keep this in mind the next time you’re tempted to say, “I didn’t know that was racist.”

With Love,
The Editors at Everyday Feminism



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Celia Edell is a Contributing Vlogger for Everyday Feminism, a freelance writer, and feminist philosopher. She holds a B.A. in philosophy from University of Western Ontario and is currently doing her masters degree in philosophy at University of Sheffield in England. Her interests include critical race theory, mental health awareness, and bad made-for-TV movies. She tweets and blogs under the name @ceedling