I appreciate this comment. Walking and chewing gum at the same time seems like a good analogy - as you say, liberation requires us to be aware of what we our liberating ourselves from. Being aware of racism is therefor a necessary first step to liberation, and one that we must routinely come back to.

My intent with this piece was to suggest that lingering too much on the problem, once you are aware of it, might cause more harm than good. For example, if there is an infection in my body, I must first notice symptoms and feel the pain in order to recognize my need for healing. However, if my primary response is to consume antiobiotics because I am "anti-infection," that can have a detrimental effect of weakening my own immune system. Sometimes the best way to cure an illness is not by solely attacking the disease with medication but by building up the body's health sunlight, fruits and vegetables, and fresh air. Being "pro-body" is often the best way to be "anti-disease."

My ancestors include enslaved people and sharecroppers as well. Currently my family is battling with the criminal injustice system that has falsely accused one of my siblings with clear racial bias. I am all too aware that the fight is ongoing, which is why I am deeply invested in finding approaches that bring us closer to solutions rather than merely reiterate the gravity of the problem - though grave indeed it is.

Thank you for emphasizing that point and adding nuance to the conversation!