I really appreciate your message. I didn’t even know that guilt for having white privilege was an option (and I certainly understand your point that it’s not a helpful option). What I feel mostly on social media is anger whenever I read some white person claiming that they are not benefiting from centuries of systematic inequality, that everyone has an equal chance now, etc. etc. My usual response is to challenge those false views. I don’t know if I have changed anyone’s mind, and I’m probably not doing enough to confront what you describe as my own negligence, but (instead of feeling guilty) I’ll start thinking about what steps I can take, and your essay is helpful in moving me in that direction.

“Blessed are the guilty” is not one of the beatitudes.