As a white liberal, I get very frustrated with how often the perception of liberal philosophy is defined by the right. I can simultaneously recognize problems in our national systems and how that impacts the people without feeling personal guilt as though I was responsible for creating said system. I can also recognize my responsibility to work towards a better and more equitable future without assuming guilt or personal responsibility for other peoples actions or hatred.

Respect isn’t a 0 sum game, but the point of this instruction isn’t about something as mundane as “respect.” It’s about policies and systems and a good faith effort to break systems that are discriminatory in their nature. You can be as pleasant as punch, and still hold up systems that benefit the group in power at the expense of others.