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Understanding Racism As a White Person
The disgust is in the details
As white Americans, we understand racism toward Black Americans exists, whether or not we want to admit it out loud or even to ourselves. White people are taught we’re “superior” a multitude of ways — by erasing minority Americans’ accomplishments, by changing history, and even by citing our unfair advantages as proof, somehow, of our worthiness of those unfair advantages.
I’ve spent several years untangling and attempting to undo my own racist views, which were fostered by my white family and a white culture determined to paint itself not only as superior, but also somehow just and moral, when the real story is far more complicated. (And far more interesting. There’s nothing more boring than the mayonnaise version of American history. Barf. There is a wealth of fascinating Black and brown American history that’s been flat ignored for far too long.)
What I didn’t understand for years about my fellow whiteys is how many white Americans honestly believe Black Americans aren’t really Americans, but a conquered people who are “lucky to be here.” In these racists’ view, Black and Native Americans deserve a lower place in American society in perpetuity, simply because white Americans beat, tortured and murdered them into submission.
