Allegations of racism are prevalent in society today. Depend upon the fact that every time you hear of someone charged with being racist their response will be the same, “I am not a racist!”
Those making the allegations are left to wonder, “How could this person not recognize their words or behaviors as racist?” The logical conclusion is to recognize that this person is in denial.
Is it possible that people who look at the world through racist eyes have no idea they are doing so?
Yes it is. Much of our childhood programming resides in the subconscious or unconscious realms of our mind. The visceral reaction that some exhibit to those of other races seems to be a normal response to them, much like tying ones shoes to avoid tripping over the laces. It’s a no-brainer. They simply don’t notice that their reaction is tinged by long held notions of their own superiority or sense of privilege.
So are these people doomed to a life of clueless distaste and suspiciousness? Of course not. Since racism is learned it can be unlearned and replaced with new, more functional, less judgmental beliefs.
To prompt this conversion skip the part of the conversation where you allege racism and ask the person a few thought provoking questions to help them notice that their response to people of another race is harsher and more condemning than it is for people of their own race. Don’t expect that they will experience an instant “ah-ha” moment and clearly see the error of their ways. Be content to plant the seeds of enlightenment and be patient.
Perhaps one day you will notice a difference in their attitude towards other races. When that day comes congratulate them and express pride in their ability to manifest positive change.
Comments
Change
I believe that this article has a good point... some people don't even understand their own consciousness. Some thoughts become habit and some habits become apart of our language and the way we express ourselves. If someone's negative outlook on one race becomes so much a part of who they are, they may not think of it as a conscious thought. For example, if someone says: well that is just what I was raised to believe. This shows that our past creates* the person we are. BUT at the same time, understanding who we are and understand race is the first step towards creating who we will become. Change is always possible, it just needs motivation, understanding and patience.
Gardening
I am in full agreement with this article. No one wants to be called racist, and that usually ends up being the end of the conversation. Instead, I have found that people respond a little better when their beliefs are questioned. "What makes you think all Asian people act that way?" "Why do you feel such hostility towards Hispanic people?"
I have also found that we truly are planting seeds, and someone else may come along and water those seeds, and we can plant gardens in people's heads to slowly teach them that as a matter of fact, privilege and oppression do exist. Why yes, they always go hand-in-hand. We have to be understanding of the fact that we were ALL raised in a racist society, and the way our society works, we are taught not to notice any forms of privilege or oppression. Personally, I didn't start to see reality until I took an Intro to Race and Gender class at my school. Most of us have to be taught to see the world around us, and we should try to be understanding of those who have not yet reached the point that we have.
The Article Says it All
People nowadays always say ' I'm not racist!' and yet thy still go around saying inappropriate jokes about race or gender, thinking it is all fun in games. I think they do not realize that is what is keeping our culture from advancing from social biases. Heck, I was one of those people at a point but no understanding where race comes from and seeing the consequences of my actions is so eye opening and everyone should take a class about racism, they may not accept it but it should have some effect on their behaviors at least in the front stage of racism.
Love It
I love this article. I like how it brings out the point that a great deal of people don't know that what they're saying or behaving is racist. A great way of changing that is by calming reassessing what they said and helping them see that it was indeed racist. Many people are saying or doing racist things without knowing it because that's how they were brought up, the only way to change these habits is by hitting them head on.