What are Acceptable Ways to be Racist?

It is a widely held belief that there are acceptable ways to be a racist. However, engaging in such beliefs is a form of willful ignorance. There are no justifiable or allowable ways to discriminate against someone on the basis of race. Implicit bias, however, introduces a nuanced perspective into this discussion.

Understanding Implicit Bias

Implicit bias refers to unconscious attitudes or stereotypes that affect our understanding, actions, and decisions. It is a common human phenomenon, and virtually all of us have it to some degree. The term implicit social cognition describes the process of unconscious thought and attitude formation based on our life experiences.

Race, in essence, is simply a difference in skin color and certain physical characteristics. We all belong to the human race. However, when it comes to culture, we often encounter implicit biases, leading to misunderstandings and prejudices. Culture, religion, or political and ideological beliefs play a significant role in forming our inferences about others.

Engaging in Self-Reflection

The best way to combat implicit bias is through introspection and self-exploration. This process can be challenging and uncomfortable. When others point out our biases, we often react with anger and denial. Phrases like "You don't know me" often become our defenses. As a philosopher and deep thinker, I once believed myself to be less likely to harbor implicit bias. However, recent events have shown me that this belief is both foolish and unenlightened.

A Real-Life Example

The other day, I attempted to engage in a conversation about racial justice on social media. My intention was to help people of color and address the issue of police violence against them. Unfortunately, my well-intentioned dialogue was met with hostility and frustration. A woman, who was a marginal acquaintance, responded vehemently, stating, "I'm so sick and tired of white people asking me to educate them about how to be our allies. That’s not my f**king responsibility. F**king GOOGLE IT! I don’t have time to hold your hand through it. I’m just too tired. Just talking about it isn’t worth sht. You need to f**cking check your privilege and your white fragility."

I was taken aback by her response. I took a moment to analyze my thoughts, feelings, and implicit biases. I tried to empathize with her pain and anger. Her response highlighted the concept of white fragility, a term coined by Dr. Robin DiAngelo, which refers to the tendency of white people to become defensive or uncomfortable when their racial innocence is challenged.

Reflection and Growth

The white fragility phenomenon is a stark reminder that we all have implicit biases. It is crucial to recognize that we are not immune to such biases and that we must continually strive to understand and address them. My daughter, a seasoned social justice activist, admitted that she credits me with instilling a sense of love, compassion, and justice in her. However, this recognition comes with the challenge of addressing my own implicit biases.

Our human experience is complex and multifaceted. We can choose to simplify our understanding of racism, or we can immerse ourselves in its intricacies. The more we understand, the more we grow, and the more we can contribute to a more just society.

Advice for Growth

For those navigating discussions on racism, here is a piece of sage advice: recognize that you are never right about everything. Every person you encounter can and should add to your understanding of yourself and others. Misunderstandings and disagreements are opportunities for growth and deeper self-reflection. Always use compassion, both toward others and toward yourself, especially on topics related to racism.