I must be honest; I have always wondered why racism is still surviving today. Slavery ended well over 100 years ago. Integration in work places and the military came along in the mid 1900s. 1960’s brought government intervention vis-à-vis the Civil Rights Bill pioneering affirmative action and the other field-leveling legislation. The vast majority of schools were integrated by the early 1970s. Interracial relationships have become somewhat of social norm in the last 20 years. Heck, we even have an African American sitting as President of the United States as of January 2009.
Yet, racism still seems to be intricately woven into the American fabric. Clearly, the degree and visibility of racism has declined over the century, but its effects are still experienced by minorities. Racism is a prism through which the vast majority of people sees and experiences life, even though it is not primarily a perspective or experience of Whites.
But, let’s first define racism before exploring this subject. The Webster Dictionary defines racism this way:
1. A belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race.
2. Racial prejudice or discrimination.
Because of the length of this discussion, I had to break this one into 3 parts. So today, I submit reasons 1-2 as to why racism still exists which are:
1. Many believe that racism exists. Simple enough, many believe that it does exist; therefore it does (Rene Descartes, “I think therefore, I am”). Since many have “believed” racism into existence, it now is a reality for all of those who believe it exists.
But does racism really exist? Could it be a Matrix phenomenon: “There is no spoon”? If so, there is no racism. There is no difference in human character or ability based on race. In fact, whether someone is good, bad, capable, incapable, or some variation has nothing to do with race at all. Furthermore, systems of racism, whether institutional or other, are actually systems of control that impact groups equally within economic groups.
But how ridiculous is it that if one’s decisions or efforts do not produce the results they wish, then it is because of someone else’s feelings toward them or a system designed to defeat them? Not only is that ridiculous, but it's abundantly self-centered.
I submit racial discrimination and prejudice is a misnomer. Using the term "racial" in conjunction with discrimination or prejudice gives the impression that this type of belief is somehow paramount in comparison to other forms of discrimination and prejudice. However, the beliefs and acts of discrimination and prejudice transcend race and are actually normal human characteristics.
2. White men need it to protect and maintain power and control. In all fairness, I should say some White men. No group has benefited more from racism than the White man. Even the non-racist ones have benefited from the systems created by their peers. It is clear that racism works because from the inception of the United States to this very day the fraternity of White men has been controlling events. Our Founding Fathers, the first 43 Presidents, 90+ percent of the 20th century CEOs and so on were all White men. Clearly, racism is an effective defensive tool to protect and maintain power and control.
I submit that this defensive tool (one of many in the arsenal) is premised on the illusion that women and minorities are lacking somehow. In the opening paragraph of this blog, I step through key events that highlight the undermining of this illusion. What it exposes is the deterioration of this illusion that women and minorities are somehow incapable and powerless. Social changes are shifting power and control to other groups, redefining perceptions about women and minorities, and rendering this tool impotent.
Next week, I'll continue with a couple of more reasons, say...christianity supports it & security in racism. Stay tuned...I'll explain.
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interesting prospective mr. harley... yes racism still exist...yesterday, today and probably tomorrow but elimination is not far away with greater discussions and more action from everyone...
ReplyDeleteSister Monica...preach on! That power and control is mighty strong incentive for orchestrating systems of discrimination and prejudice. I agree how hypocritical it is that US citizens want to close the borders when they are descendants of immigrants.
ReplyDeleteThank you bfrank. I agree, those who employ racism are losing traction. I hope I'm alive when the day comes.
Racism, what? You mean NASCAR Racing? Oh, you did say Amerika, right? Oh, RACISM?! Yes, yes, of course. Well, you said it, Sir; “Intricately woven into the American fabric." Exactly! When one looks into the storied and complex history (to say the least) of the United States, it is most important to look at the very beginning of Amerika. Considering the fact that the land mass that comprises North Amerika was already inhabited by non-white people before the stumbling there-onto by Christopher Columbus, this reality speaks immeasurable volume into a prevailing detraction one might call "racism."
ReplyDeleteAs we relate to reasons why this dark reality still exists, one fact is that belief has very little to do with it at all; Albeit, I do relate to your point. However, should one not realize the prolific detriment of racism or should "choose" to believe it doesn't exist, there is a plethora of supporting facts thru a myriad of sources and types of evidence from Amerika's inception to date (some we'll discuss later).
Racism is simply one of the building blocks that helped form the foundation of a nation that was to be wrested (rest) away from other people; even if not considered a nation at that time. As was the case then, it is still now that there is an abhorrent disconnect between those in power and those who are to be or remain powerless and thus disposable. And so, there is no coincidence that the Black, Brown and/or most often, non-white peoples find themselves at the “short end of the stick” where equality of opportunity is concerned. The simple fact that any group that is non-white and thus "minor" (ity) can be accepted as such, again, speaks loud as to how and why racism still exists.
So, to your point regarding belief, yes, to believe that racism still exists and worse, that there may be little or nothing we can do about it, ironically supports its very existence.
I think one will agree that, to be struck by five fingers in the form of a fist would certainly hurt worse than to be hit by five fingers spread apart; suffice-it-to-say that a punch is more damaging than a slap. So, when a people are separated from the masses; identified and/or characterized as unique or different, this separation not only renders that group smaller, but also weaker by virtue thereof. For any group to be classified as a "minority" group and far worse, to ignorantly believe and accept that "place," independently or collectively, lends itself to the detriment and demise of said group.
This acceptance is to further mean that the minority group will accept all of the disparity that goes along with the tag; small group, therefore, smaller recognition; smaller opportunity and so on.
I'll end this segment with a question. If it is true that the "White" people comprise only 1/5 (one fifth) of all human beings, how is it then that the so-called minority groups are who they are and, moreover, came to be?
We'll break here and delve deeper in response to some of the other reasons you've listed soon.
@Bomani....preach! I especially agree with you in that believing in racism carries a real psychological toll. Buying into the whole majority/minority mindset weakeness one's imagination and lessens one's capabilities. Racism finds its power in ignorance. The enlighten ones overcome ignorance with knowledge. Hence, racism is overcome by knowledge. Although I do recognize the existence of social contructs and institutions designed to impede growth and progress, I realize that each of these impediments can easily be deconstructed and prevailed over with some thought and deliberate action.
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