Some say that all lives matter. While that is true in theory, let’s look at reality through the lens of 400 years of history, our legacy since 1619: enslaved Africans; indigenous people who were here before the Europeans, yet were slaughtered and deprived of their language and culture; Jim Crow; segregation; lynchings; bombings; redlining; discrimination in housing, education; in health care, where the most devastating impact of COVID-19 has been borne; the impact of an overly-militarized police force whose officers too often perceive people who do not look white as threats and responding as if they were facing enemy combatants; and over-reacting with lethal use of force.

All lives clearly do not matter equally. Those of us who are white have a responsibility to examine how, regardless of class, age, gender identity to some extent, and religion, we benefit from being in the pale skin we inhabit.

We are not generally suspect walking through a store, renting an apartment, jogging, bird watching, walking to the store, driving, being out late, at a traffic stop. White people need to recognize that while our lives might be difficult and we might face daily barriers just to get by, we generally do not live in fear that we or our children’s lives are in danger just because of our skin.

Racism provides tremendous unearned advantages for white people. But it is fair to also ask: what is the cost of racism to us, as white people? For one, in order to become “white” when our ancestors came to the U.S., they had to give up some of their culture, language, traditions in order to be Americans. They were no longer Germans, Irish, Polish or French. They were called white. The racial category white did not exist before then.

Racism also skews how we perceive people who do not look like us. We feel fear and discomfort while also feeling superior.

None of that feels good. Not to me. It is heartening that so many white people are enraged and in pain at the recent murders of African Americans. This is not the America we were taught is the land of equal opportunity with liberty and justice for all.

What are we going to do about it? How are we as a nation going to make change that is lasting and significant? What are we willing to commit to? Are we willing to be uncomfortable to confront this?

It is not enough to be “not racist.” We need to be actively anti-racist. Racism will not magically disappear because we want it to. Like the other virus, this virus has no vaccine. White people will have to actively take steps and demand its overdue extinction.

All lives will matter when black, indigenous and Latinx, Asian American people do matter, in our actions and in our beliefs.

We invite all people of good intent to join a Stand for Justice in front of the Northfield Town Hall, every Sunday, 4-5 p.m. Family-friendly. Please wear a mask.

Cate Woolner is a resident of Northfield.