Monday, June 29, 2020

If you aren't a racist, why align yourself with one?

"I'm not a racist, but I support Trump because look at what he's done for the economy, look at what he's done for black people".  I'm sure you've heard those sentences verbatim. Don't expect them to offer any real examples and will stand by "He's President therefore great things started happening".

It may be true that not all Trump supporters subscribe to blatant racism, however, why do they feel comfortable aligning themselves with people and groups who have no problem attaching themselves to Trump because of  his subscription to racist beliefs?

His aggression towards women, especially women of color, and Latinos doesn't seem to be a deal breaker for them, and they will even claim "I just don't see it".  Because he gaslights, he speaks in code and dog whistles so people who don't feel comfortable with blatant racism ( ex: "I hate these niggers") will be comfortable in their own racial biases.  Unfortunately many people don't really understand the meaning of the word racism, and believe as long as someone isn't using blatant racist terms, then racism can't be proven.   But proof is in actions and inaction.  Describing people with darker skin as people that come from "Shithole countries" are "Animals" and "Rapist", all terms used to describe people of color by people who believe their white skin is superior.

Our country is divided along party lines more now than ever before, but you will rarely hear or see me use terms such as "Liberal" "Conservative" "Democrat" or "Republican" because none of these labels make you who you are at your core however I do believe policies are born out of "The human condition". This is described as "all of the characteristics and key events that compose the essentials of human existence". Where and how we are raised, how we grow,  our experiences and also how we go about preserving power, shape our policies and our feelings about politics.  America has gradually realized certain policies were inhumane, but much of America still holds on to the ingrained belief that others are undeserving of the basics of humanity. Just because a new law or policy says it's wrong doesn't mean everybody believes that in their hearts.

Many people will say conservatives own most of the racism or are racist, however there are also plenty of people who define themselves as "Liberals" that will NOT commit to being anti-racist and will continue to turn a blind eye to racist culture and systems that are designed to perpetuate stereotypes and certain ideologies.  Racism is still practiced is in our biased policies, our educational system, our hiring practices our housing and in Health industries all by everyday people like us.  We have colleagues who make comments and remarks regarding Black people or other POC, and these very same people are in positions that our lives depend on, yet our "allies" just "ignore them" and pretend as if their biases wont make a difference in how they do their jobs. But it does, and that's why we keep repeating the experience of social unrest as a result of this type of racism.

If that is you turning a blind eye, or saying you don't have time to fight this cause, then you too are responsible for perpetuating racism. Silence is violence.... ask yourself are you really an ally of anti-racism or in allegiance with the culture of racism?








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