This is a difficult topic — both to discuss with you, but also in finding the words to do so. I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve deleted whole paragraphs and started again.
- How do I communicate what I really want to say about this topic?
- How do I make it relevant?
- How do I keep it succinct yet powerful?
I’m not sure I’ve got it right, but I’m sharing it now anyways. Racism needs to be acknowledged, understood and challenged.
It’s time to talk!
How about a few examples of racist comments. Racism can be subtle or ‘hit-you-between-the-eyes’ bold:
Minimizing racism by comparing it to other issues:
- “It’s true that maybe they’ve experienced racism, but I’m ________ (fill in the blank with any particular group) and feel like I’ve been discriminated against as well.”
Dismissing racism:
- “These people just need to get over it. I can’t believe they are still talking about this after all these years.”
And some are really ignorant:
- “I feel disrespected as a white person. It’s time for me to stand up for my own rights.”
Racism is a topic that can alienate people — likely because they don’t feel like they are part of the problem, or they feel that racism really isn’t an issue. And, therein lies the big challenge — having people actually acknowledge that racism is real and that they need to play a role in eliminating it.
If you are steadfast in your belief that, “I’m not racist, nor do I do things that could be construed as racist”, then this post isn’t for you, because you’re not ready to be part of the solution — your mind is closed.
But, if you’re open to really exploring it then let’s begin …
(More on Page 2)
The Power of Why 
1. I have felt that to say that one is colour blind is an insult. People I have met have given the impression that they would like their diversity acknowledged and celebrated.
2. An activist (apologies for not remembering the name) stated that everyone is racist from the point of view that they see what is similar and what is different. What counts is whether one makes prejudicial decisions on the basis of racism.
3. I don’t think I have the right to say whether or not prejudice exists. I bow to the judgement of those who are affected negatively.
4. People who have been negatively affected by prejudice need to have the major voice in how it is addressed. For too long people who have been advantaged have thought they know best about how to redress the situation and have acted accordingly with the result that little changes on a systemic basis.
LikeLike
Hi Sheila,
I am so pleased to see that this topic is generating commentary. That was the idea — to stimulate deeper conversation on the topic of racism. Thank you for your additional points. I look forward to sharing my continuing learning on this topic in my next blog, and invite you to comment again.
LikeLike
Dear Dave
Hello from the UK and thank you for your post. However, I note on page 2 via the link at the bottom of your article that Layla Saad writes “There is only one human race, yet we talk about different races of people.”
This is of course true, therefore there is no such thing as racism as this is a false premise. There is nationalism, tribalism, even family-ism (!), but no such thing as racism. I wrote this article if you are interested.
https://alphaandomegacloud.wordpress.com/r-is-for-racism/
Kind regards.
LikeLike
Thank you for your comments. It is true that there is only one race — the human race. And, so while I believe your argument makes some logical sense because of that, we still use the word racism. I will take a peek at your article. Thank you for sharing. I am glad this topic is stimulating this kind of discussion.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great post. We will use this to discuss as a family.
LikeLike
Thank you, Chris. Having my post stimulate conversation and a deeper understanding was its purpose.
LikeLike