White Fragility

White fragility is the sensitive reaction by white people towards evidence of racism, especially when they feel implicated in it as well. The sensitive reaction may take the form of defensiveness, dismissiveness, or anger.

The term was coined in 2011 by author Robin DiAngelo to explain why many white people are sensitive when their perspective on race is challenged. The fragility can make it difficult for white people to have constructive conversations about racism because they want to "keep the peace" with others or don't want to be implicated as a racist themselves.