In this commentary, the author sttes that she has gained much insight from reviewing the collection of writing on whiteness. While there is agreement among those authors that there is a distinction between the first wave and second wave whiteness studies, there is a unified theme to not minimize the consequences of inhaling racist air, which is a real threat to anyone breathing. In this compilation, there is a sense of urgency to complicate white racial consciousness and broaden the understanding of development and strengthen the support for that development. In joining this conversation, this author wants to know how whiteness studies and the works of Black literature overlap and wrestle with each other--and who really benefits from this dialog.