Firstly, if you are reading this, I hope you understand that systemic racism exists in America. That is a factual statement, not an opinion. The entire American system was built upon the premise of white supremacy. Nearly every aspect of our lives, from housing and education to healthcare and the criminal justice system, makes it harder for black and brown individuals to thrive. But this is also a complex theory, CRT (critical race theory), and I will discuss that theory, in detail, in another post.
The important part is how educated and empathetic individuals in this country arm themselves with the understanding and knowledge that is necessary to help push movements like Black Lives Matter forward.
Here are some reasons why this is so important for all of us:
1. They don't teach it in school.
You won't get a lesson on black wall street and the murder of over 300 people.
You won't learn that policing in this country originates from slave catchers.
You won't learn about the school to jail pipeline.
You won't get a lesson on the American West teaching that 1 in 4 cowboys was black.
You won't learn that all modern forms of GPS are based on the work of Dr. Glady West, a black mathematician.
You won't learn that in the 1600s, interracial marriage in America was banned and was not made legal again until 1967.
As an informed citizen of this country, it is your responsibility to read and research specific topics. For example, before an election, whether local or national, it is your job to read and analyze each candidate. And as this country is progressing into a more equitable and equal nation for its citizens, its citizens need to remain educated and informed. If you want to be on the right side of history over the next several decades, do this country a favor, and educate yourself about the true history of this country. As a nation, we cannot move forward until we collectively admit where we have been.
2. A country that withholds rights from someone based purely on the color of that person's skin is not free.
Healthcare disparity, lack of education, and lack of opportunity cripple an entire group of people in this country. We are not a "free" America where all you need to do is "work hard." The system makes every aspect of life harder for certain groups of people. And recognizing that white men created the entire system to benefit white men means that we can slowly begin to tear down and rebuild many of the structures that framed this nation. Not offering equal access to education, healthcare, jobs, and justice mean that America is not the "freest nation in the world" as you were taught for decades in school. If we can recognize that specific systems are problematic for certain people to access, we can start taking steps to change and make systems accessible. But maintaining the status quo should not be acceptable to anyone who believes that America is the land of opportunity and American's are genuinely free.
3. Not being ethnocentric is a good thing
Thinking that your race, religion, or ethnicity is better than anyone else's is a close-minded and, frankly, disgusting way to think. Historically for white Judeo-Christians, it has been the downfall of many civilizations, this idea of superiority. The genocide of the Native Americans and the enslavement of African Americans are two prime examples of this: the notion that whites perceived themselves as better than other races. And, of course, Nazi Germany having a leader who believed that the German race was superior in every way cost millions of lives.
Well-rounded individuals are those who have been educated and exposed to a variety of different world views. One of the best ways to gain perspective and grow as a human being is to allow yourself to be around people who are different from yourself, different backgrounds, cultures, skin colors, and religions. Only then will we indeed be able to appreciate each other as simply human beings. While we have many differences, the more exposed to each other, we will find just how many similarities we do have. And once we find that common ground, it is easy to move forward and progress the equality causes for all.
4. Recognizing white privilege does not make you a bad person, or a weak person, it means you are growing as a person.
If you look in the mirror and see the same person you were ten years ago, I challenge you to ask yourself why. Changing and growing are natural parts of life, and if you are willing to take the first few steps, such as recognizing that you were raised with some bias, you can start the process of growing as an individual. It would be best if you realized that our education system itself has racial biases, and we were taught to believe certain things from particular perspectives as truths. However, it is pretty easy to step outside of that ethnocentric bubble and see that our world is much different from that. Allowing yourself to learn, grow and care about issues of race in America will make you a better human being and this country a better country.
It is hard to admit, as a white American, that seldom if ever, do white Americans face racial discrimination. It is very much the opposite of prejudice; the system is built mainly for the success of whites. I recognize that as a white male in this country, I have been afforded
a variety of opportunities that were probably not available to other individuals due to race and sex. And admitting this does NOT mean that I got handed everything on a silver platter. I worked hard to achieve a multitude of goals in my professional career over the past several decades.
However, recognizing that I would have had many more obstacles if I was a different race means that I can empathize with others. And through that empathy, I can begin the conversations about equality in America and what we can do to help ensure a fair, genuinely fair shot for all
people.
5. Recognizing the pain and anguish our black and brown brothers and sisters have felt (and still feel) will help them heal.
It may seem like a minute step, but it carries significant weight to have allies among communities. To have a group of people acknowledge that minorities have suffered at the hands of white supremacy both historically and currently. By simply admitting this, we can begin the critical conversations about healing as a community and as a nation. These conversations help build meaningful relationships between different cultures that grow, creating mutual respect and love for each other. Understanding that the suffering, pain, and anguish that some have felt for
generations makes for a more empathetic and caring world. Having the ability to recognize the suffering of some, empathize with that suffering, and start the process of healing and reform, will make a better society for all. Every generation should try to improve, both to your family,
your community, and your nation. We all want the same thing: a better world for our children. The first step is simply recognizing the pain that some in our community have felt and still feel.
As Americans, it
can be challenging to have these sorts of conversations. Race can be a very
touchy subject. But I implore you, do not be afraid to have it. Silence is
complacency, and if you are complacent in the face of intolerance, you are
certainly part of the problem and not part of the solution. Be part of the
solution.
Some links to help get you started:
Health Disparities in America:
https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/about/foundation-health-measures/Disparities
Social determinants of health:
https://www.cdc.gov/socialdeterminants/index.htm
Actor, Ally & Accomplice
– how you can help fight for racial justice:
https://www.powershift.org/sites/default/files/resources/files/opportunities-for-white-people.pdf
How to support antiracism in
your workplace:
https://www.yesmagazine.org/social-justice/2021/02/05/how-to-support-black-coworkers
Talking about racism in
America:
https://www.nagc.org/sites/default/files/Publication%20PHP/bonuscontent/Collins_Talking%20About%20Racism%20in%20America%20and%20Education%20PHP.pdf
And lastly, here is a
MASSIVE list of antiracism books:
https://www.bookpeople.com/anti-racist-reading-list
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