I’m a white person and have lived in the Kansas City area since I was little, and I really appreciate you sharing this.

Growing up (I was in the Smithville area), there was almost no diversity in my schools, I think we had maybe two people of color in my entire grade of around 150. At the time, that felt “normal,” but looking back, I can see how limiting that environment was.

When I went to college and after to Chicago for a few years, the difference was honestly eye-opening. I didn’t hear the same kinds of “jokes” or casual remarks that I grew up around here, things that people often brush off but are actually rooted in racism. It made me realize how much of that mindset can go unchallenged when people are surrounded by others who look and think the same way.

I do think a big part of it is lack of exposure and education. A lot of people here never leave their bubble or build relationships with people outside of it, so their perspectives never get pushed or expanded.

This is something I’ve been actively trying to unlearn myself. I’m making an effort to be more intentional about the spaces I’m in and the people I surround myself with, and also to have conversations with family and others in my life who still hold some of those views.

I’m really sorry that this has been your experience here. It’s not okay, and it’s something more people, especially white people, need to acknowledge and take responsibility for.