Even Northam doesn't think he's atoned for his racist acts, so please stop claiming

[EffieBlack]

he's somehow redeemed himself by voting for civil rights legislation and not engaging in openly racist acts in the past few decades.

“I recognize that it will take time and serious effort to heal the damage this conduct has caused. I am ready to do that important work. The first step is to offer my sincerest apology and to state my absolute commitment to living up to the expectations Virginians set for me when they elected me to be their Governor.”

Northam himself acknowledges that he must NOW devote "time and serious effort to heal the damage" his behavior has caused, that he is "ready to do that important work," and he suggested a FIRST step to take.

So, PLEASE, people - stop trying to convince us that Northam has already atoned for his behavior and therefore, we must now all forgive and forget. Even Northam doesn't believe that, so you surely shouldn't expect anyone else to fall for it.

[still_one]

1. I have to wonder how many of those who are ready to forgive and forget have been victims of

discrimination themselves?

[EffieBlack]

2. Excellent question

I'm sure that the sight of a Klansman, even in a photograph, doesn't make their heart leap or cause them to feel sick to their stomach.

[elias7]

3. White privilege means that a white person doesn't get how horrible it is

They imitate their immediate culture surrounding them and don’t have any conception that such an act would strike fear into the minority, especially if no one of that minority were present at the time. To them, it’s just a game, a joke.