I have come to realize that being a white person does not in any way, shape or form excuse me from concerning myself with our society's epidemic of racism. For me to excuse, trivialize, or even pretend to ignore the problem is to enable that problem. So I have to do--something. But what? I wrestled with this for awhile. What should be said? And when? I think that the catchphrase from none other than the Department of Homeland Security gives us an excellent starting point:
"If you see something, say something."
If you are a white person and see racism, you have an obligation to break the silence. Furthermore, unless it would create an imminent physical or economic danger for you or those near you, you have an obligation to directly stand up to those who perpetrate it. And if said dangers apply, then you still have an obligation to somehow break the silence in a meaningful and empowering way. What does that mean? I don't know, but it sure as hell doesn't mean keeping quiet about it.
When does this apply? All the time. 24/7. If racism doesn't take a break, neither should our vigilance. And what do we say when we see it?
"If you see something, say something."
I don't think it has to be the perfect comeback. It could be as simple as telling a friend who makes an off-color joke, no pun intended, that what he said was not cool. Or if you're gaming online and someone starts trolling with racial epithets, call him out on it (and if you're one of the admins, kick him out).
Also, it doesn't have to be the perfect retort. Because no matter what you say, and how eloquently you put it, there is a 99% chance that you will face swift backlash. But that's not because of your choice of words: that's because racism is a high-stakes game that you cannot win.
Note, BTW, that this advice could extend against any comment or action against any other disenfranchised group. If you are a straight person and see homophobia, or a man and see sexism, or a young adult and see ageism, etc., say something. The less comfortable privileged people are about participating in hateful behavior, the less likely many of them are to do it. Now holdouts will remain, and they will not go quietly. But again, that can no longer be an excuse.
"If you see something, say something."