My mother never let a racist comment go by, without snapping back, and she expected the same thing from her children. Like other kids, I had no strategy or script, and I sure didn’t analyze it; I just said what needed saying and that was that. Back then, respect was such a big deal, very few people talked like that in front of me again.

Cross into the 21st century and respect has vanished. Tell someone not to talk like that in front of you today, and they are likely to slather their ugly racism all over you.

Education is the only way I’ve found to combat racism today. To do that, people have to know solid facts and concrete reasons they do not like, approve or support racism. Unfortunately, most white people tend to blabber about how racism makes “them” feel and inadvertently turn racism into a “feelings” competition (which I’ve seen happen so many times, it’s ridiculous).

However, people who can back up their views, with solid, concrete reasons and real-life examples shut racists up pretty darned fast. “I didn’t know that” is the typical response from racists.

Dr. Burg, as an ER physician, you’ve been cooperating with, observing, or far more likely, combatting racism, sexism, and classism throughout your whole career. Dig deep, mine your experience, examine it closely, and then use your title, hard earned experience, and authority to combat that garbage – openly and consciously.

It’s not just you, everyone has experience they can use to combat racism. Real life examples make a difference.

Umm, this sounds kind of preachy, but I'm posting it anyways and hoping you don't take it personally.