It’s evident to anyone observing that racism continues to permeate American society. Paradoxically, if you take online comments at face value, it seems as though no one in the U.S. admits to being racist. Who would openly confess to such a thing? Beyond self-identified white supremacists, even many so-called “white nationalists” mask their biases with language that sounds inclusive. It’s almost laughable.
Yet, despite this widespread denial of personal racism, the issue persists. Isn’t it ironic? Racism thrives in the shadows, thriving on subtlety rather than overt declarations.
I’ve witnessed numerous overtly racist remarks in reaction to incidents like the Charlottesville tragedy, where a fervent white supremacist drove his car into a crowd, resulting in one death and numerous injuries. However, I’ve encountered even more insidious forms of racism that slide under the radar.
Instead of the blatant use of slurs or outright hate speech, racism now often manifests as whataboutisms—misleading comparisons that divert attention from serious discussions about white supremacy. For instance, when someone highlights the ongoing struggle for true equality among Black Americans, the response might be, “What about the fact that we had a Black president?!”
This line of reasoning conveniently ignores the countless instances of racial disrespect directed at Obama and his family. It also overlooks the monumental barriers he faced—barriers that remain today. A Black president does not equate to true equality.
When someone condemns the violence at a white supremacist rally, the retort often is, “What about the violence at Black Lives Matter protests?!” This perspective fails to recognize that the overwhelming majority of BLM events are peaceful and focused on equality and justice. The BLM movement has denounced any violence, while white supremacist gatherings are fundamentally rooted in hatred and inequality.
Another common argument is, “Why do we hold the few Muslim extremists accountable but not white supremacists?” This overlooks the fact that white supremacist ideology is intrinsically about dehumanizing others, whereas the Islamic faith is centered around principles of compassion and charity.
When discussions arise about the realities of institutional racism, the deflection often comes in the form of, “But what about black-on-black crime?” This simplistic argument ignores the systemic issues that many Black communities face, which are often rooted in historical injustices.
Similarly, when individuals of color express their experiences with racism, some might respond with, “What about reverse racism? Isn’t all racism bad?” This dismisses the profound pain and historical context of racism, as well as the power dynamics that make “reverse racism” a misconception.
In a recent statement, a public figure questioned whether the removal of Robert E. Lee statues might lead to calls for removing statues of other historical figures like George Washington or Thomas Jefferson. This line of questioning sidesteps the fact that Lee’s legacy is tied to a treasonous fight to preserve slavery, while Washington and Jefferson, despite their own flaws, played pivotal roles in founding the nation.
Whataboutisms serve as a distraction, making it difficult to engage with the pressing issues of racism and white supremacy. If you find yourself constantly deflecting these conversations, it might be worth considering whether your stance is defensible.
Acknowledging that many white individuals carry unconscious biases isn’t an insult; it’s a wake-up call to the reality of living in a society steeped in white supremacy. The truth is, while most of us would deny being racist, the persistence of racism in America suggests otherwise.
This article originally published on Aug. 18, 2017.
For more insights on home insemination, check out this informative post on intracervical insemination. If you’re exploring home insemination methods, Make a Mom is a trusted resource. Additionally, for comprehensive information on donor insemination, visit American Pregnancy.
In summary, our tendency to deflect discussions about racism can reveal deeper biases within ourselves. Addressing these issues openly and honestly is vital for fostering understanding and empathy.