In recent times, we’ve witnessed heartbreaking events that have brought names like Marcus Lee, Jasmine Carter, and Eli Thompson to the forefront of public discourse. Some of these tragedies were captured on video, prompting a wave of responses from individuals who often reveal their true perspectives online. These responses range from “all lives matter” to claims of colorblindness, where they insist they see only the “human race.” Their attempts to express neutrality can be infuriating, as they remain oblivious to their role in perpetuating racism. They equate being polite with being “good,” but that’s a superficial understanding of the issue.
Many individuals pride themselves on their kindness. They don’t use slurs, teach their children to be inclusive, and even cringe at family members’ inappropriate jokes. They might have had diverse friendships in college. However, it’s crucial to understand that simply being nice to people of color does not equate to being anti-racist.
Acts of kindness, such as greeting a Black woman or complimenting a Latino man, do not address the systemic issues of racism. You may ask, what does it mean to be anti-racist? This is a valid question, and it’s essential to delve deeper. The activist Angela King famously stated, “In a racist society, it is not enough to be non-racist; we must be anti-racist.” Author and activist Jordan Lee emphasizes in his influential book, How to Be Antiracist, that being “not racist” is a myth; you are either racist or anti-racist.
Being a decent person is commendable but does not absolve one from complicity in racism. Many “nice” individuals can be found in grocery stores or parks, often unaware of the biases they may harbor. They may compliment my children, smile politely, and even engage in philanthropic efforts. However, having a friend of a different race or quoting a famous activist does not exempt them from responsibility.
As King pointed out, white privilege is deeply ingrained in our society. It manifests in unexamined beliefs and behaviors that uphold systemic inequality. Therefore, many people remain unaware of the privileges they hold simply because of their skin color. Understanding this privilege is key to grasping the significance of movements like Black Lives Matter. It allows individuals to recognize the real issues at stake and avoid deflecting discussions with irrelevant arguments.
Anti-racist work is challenging and often uncomfortable. It requires an inward look and a commitment to change. It’s not enough to have token friendships or superficial interactions. True anti-racism involves acknowledging white privilege and recognizing the barriers faced by people of color. This awareness can lead to a greater understanding of the necessity of protests and social movements.
To engage in anti-racist work means to actively educate oneself, scrutinize personal beliefs, and challenge others when they express racist sentiments. This is not the norm for many, as systemic racism has conditioned white individuals to feel safe and justified in their actions. Acknowledging the need for change is a courageous step toward dismantling ingrained prejudices.
If you genuinely care about people of color and the injustices they face, it’s time to take concrete actions rather than relying on mere niceties. A polite nod to a person of color isn’t anti-racism; it’s complacency. The real change occurs when individuals start seeing others as equals, recognizing their shared humanity.
In public spaces, I often encounter well-meaning white individuals. However, just as I teach my children to be cautious around strangers, I remind them that not all friendly faces may have good intentions. Racism can disguise itself behind a polite demeanor. Trust must be earned, and individuals must demonstrate their commitment to equality through actions rather than words.
I sincerely hope that those who identify as kind will choose the path of anti-racism. Otherwise, they risk remaining complicit in a system that perpetuates inequality. If you want to dive deeper into topics surrounding this, check out this article for more insights.
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In summary, being polite to people of color doesn’t equate to being anti-racist. True change requires self-reflection, education, and a commitment to dismantling systemic racism.
Keyphrase: Being Nice to People of Color
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