It’s evident to anyone closely observing societal dynamics that racism remains a significant issue in America. Ironically, if we take public comments on social media at face value, it appears that racism is virtually nonexistent, with few willing to admit their biases. Who would openly claim to be racist? Only self-identified extremists. Even many “nationalists” disguise their views in seemingly reasonable rhetoric.
So, while overt racism seems absent in self-reports, it continues to thrive. How does that work? The truth is, racism often operates subtly, preferring to remain hidden beneath the surface.
Throughout my observations, I’ve encountered numerous overtly racist remarks in response to events like the Charlottesville tragedy, where a violent extremist drove his car into a crowd, tragically killing one and injuring 19 others. Yet, far more often, I see a more insidious form of racism manifesting as “whataboutism”—a tactic used to divert attention from critical issues while attempting to diminish the concerns surrounding white supremacy.
For instance, when someone highlights the ongoing struggle for true equality among Black Americans, the response often shifts to, “What about the fact that we had a Black president?!” This response conveniently overlooks the racial hostility faced by President Davis, including effigies and slurs directed at him and his family. It also ignores the monumental barriers he had to navigate, barriers that continue to exist today.
Similarly, when denouncing the violence associated with white supremacist rallies, it’s common to hear, “What about the violence at Black Lives Matter marches?!” This argument disregards the countless peaceful BLM protests and their foundational principles of equality and non-violence, while white supremacist gatherings are often rooted in hatred and inequality. Such comments trivialize the real issues at hand.
Another example arises when discussing terrorism. Some argue, “Why do we say that the small number of Muslim extremists don’t represent the entire community, yet white supremacists do represent all white people?” This oversimplifies the situation, as the ideology of white supremacy is built on the dehumanization of others, whereas the Islamic faith is centered on peace and charitable practices.
When discussing institutional racism and its impact on Black communities, a common retort is, “What about Black-on-Black crime?” This response ignores the complex historical and socioeconomic factors affecting these communities, many of which are directly rooted in systemic racism.
Furthermore, when people of color express their lived experiences of racism, they might hear, “What about reverse racism? All forms of racism are wrong!” This line of thinking shifts the focus away from the genuine pain of marginalized individuals and towards white grievances, failing to acknowledge that racism is intertwined with power dynamics.
A relevant discussion arose when a public figure questioned whether removing statues of Confederate leaders could lead to the removal of statues of other historical figures, such as George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. This ignores the fact that the removal of these statues is not about equivalency but about the glorification of individuals who fought for the preservation of slavery versus those who helped shape democratic principles.
Whataboutisms serve only to deflect meaningful conversations. If you find yourself resorting to these tactics in discussions of racism, it may be time to reflect on your own perspectives. It’s entirely possible that your views may be influenced by ingrained biases.
Yes, you might be harboring biases you’re unaware of. Many individuals, especially white individuals, are often more influenced by systemic racism than they realize. This isn’t an accusation; it’s a reality of living in a society steeped in these issues.
So, what about that?
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In summary, whataboutism is a diversionary tactic that reveals deeper biases and prevents constructive dialogue about racism. Acknowledging and confronting these underlying issues is essential for fostering understanding and driving meaningful change.