Beyond Black and White: The Far-Reaching Consequences of Racism – Part 2

“Nothing can stop the power of a committed and determined people to make

a difference in our society.”

Representative John Lewis

In last week’s article, I provided you with three different definitions of racism (individual, interpersonal, and institutional), a very brief history of racism, and argued that being good is not enough when trying to address institutional racism.

In this article, you will understand how institutional racism harms all of us and what you can do to create change.

The Impact of Institutional Racism on All of Us

 The Misconception Around the Myth of Meritocracy

The problem with institutional racism is that it impacts the lives of the oppressed as well as of the oppressor.

In fact, Peggy McIntosh, the widely known anti-racism activist, argues that racism is, indeed, a White problem because when individuals, even if inadvertently, support policies and practices that advantage some and disadvantage others, in the end, everyone loses.

That is because one group, the oppressed, is denied opportunities while the other, the oppressor, is led to live with a false sense of reality.

Take, for example, the “myth of meritocracy.” The narrative around this myth is as follows: we came here with nothing, we worked hard, we pulled ourselves up by our bootstraps, and we succeeded.

What is left out of the “bootstrap” myth is that not everyone had access to the same opportunities. In fact, access to opportunities was closed to all but Whites.

 The Miseducation of Our Children

Another way we are all harmed by institutional racism is that children grow up miseducated and with stereotypical views.

They go to schools with Eurocentric curricula that ignore the contributions of other groups to society—and this pretty much continues all the way through college. In fact, many of those seeking to hire college graduates complain that our educational institutions are graduating students with no skills to work and lead in an increasingly multicultural society.

College graduates today are entering a work environment that is quite different from the one their parents entered decades ago. They need to be able to communicate effectively across differences and work well with diverse clients and partners—about whom they are thought very little.

Point in case: White men would not have been able to walk on the moon had it not been for Katherine Johnson and other Black mathematicians at NASA. How many schools include in their curricula this incredible contribution of Black people to the advancement of science and technology?

 Guilt and Shame

Lastly, these societal inequities take a toll on Whites because they end up going through life with a great deal of guilt and shame.

Guilt is not a productive emotion, though. A much more productive reaction would be to focus on specific actions that will ensure equal access to opportunities, especially for those who have been historically marginalized.

Mechanisms for Change

While you cannot help growing up in a racist society, you can, however, recognize the part society plays in maintaining the prevailing system of inequities. The following strategies will help create a more equitable society:

1. Start by recognizing how you got to where you are today.

You need to embark on a self-exploratory journey, so you understand how your own beliefs, values, prejudices, and privileges (in race, age, physical ability, education level, sexual orientation, language, etc.) impact the way you think, behave, and function. Starting this process within yourself allows you to recognize that there are other perspectives that must be considered. Self-awareness is an essential element for the understanding of others.

 2. Recognize someone else’s pain.

It is imperative that you understand the daily struggles others are dealing with. Do you recognize the pain Blacks are bringing with them to their workplace, churches, schools, etc., because of the recent killings of Black men? Do you know how the Black individuals you come in contact with feel? Have you stopped to understand their perspective?

 3. Aim for an equitable and inclusive workplace.

Start by creating safe spaces for individuals to have conversations about racism and other polarizing topics. For many Blacks, their world is filled with pain, fear, and anxiety, which is compounded by the lack of opportunity to address these feelings. You can also take steps to uncover inequities in your own organization and push for equal access to opportunities, equal pay, and equal distribution of resources.

 4. Take it beyond the organization.

Participating in community projects that focus on reducing racial disparities is a great way to demonstrate support for social justice. You can also advocate for curricula reform. What our children learn in school should reflect the diversity of our nation.

5. Never pass an opportunity to take a stand to reduce racial disparities.

This will help lessen discrimination, and it will improve race relations among all.

Again, the focus should be on taking steps to change the systemic inequities that are still in place.

These are some of the actions you can take that can help you not only understand the reality that Black people and other marginalized groups face every day but also help you advocate for systemic change.

Racism is a choice. If you are not fighting against it, you are part of the problem. We can no longer remain ignorant and racist. It is time to get uncomfortable so we can all move forward together.

 Representative John Lewis, a towering figure of the civil rights era, once said: “Nothing can stop the power of a committed and determined people to make a difference in our society.”

The current environment is calling on all of us to take a strong anti-racist stance. I hope you use the power and privilege you have been granted to advocate for a more equitable and just society for all.