So reads a comment I saw in another diary today. I've heard this sentiment expressed time and again, and it always gives me pause. What does it really mean? Is it an accurate statement? I'd like to gently suggest that it isn't.
When we whip out words like "racist" or "racism"--very hefty words and themes---so casually, I believe it only serves to water down their true import and meaning. Do some blacks have less than positive feelings about their white brethren? Of course. Do blacks sometimes make conscious decisions to separate themselves from their white counterparts. All the time. Do some blacks on occasion refer to whites in disparaging terms? Absolutely. But, are these behaviors reflective of "black racism"? This is where I say, "slow your roll" for a minute.
[Note: I’m using the term "black" throughout this piece, since that was the word the original commenter used.]
More thoughts below.
The definition of racism at its core is a belief in the inherent superiority (physically, intellectually and culturally) of one race over the other, and the attendant behaviors that serve to dominate those deemed to be "inferior". A secondary, or corollary, definition looks to discriminatory or abusive behavior towards members of another race.
When I was in college, many moons ago, I remember having a conversation with a fellow student who was the Chair of the Black Students Association about this very issue. This friend (who for the purposes of this diary I’ll call Tiger), a seasoned upperclassman to my naïve self, taught me a great deal during those college years, as I worked through my journey of self-discovery, a rite of passage for all young people, indeed. I have gone back to that conversation with Tiger so many times in the thirty years hence, and it came back to me so vividly as I read the comment that lent this diary its title.
What Tiger shared with me that spring afternoon was given the fundamental definition of racism, it’s difficult for black people to claim that mantle. We don’t have an inherent belief that we are superior. Our confidence in, and celebration of, our culture isn’t a reflection of feeling superior. We just appreciate who we are, and where we come from, without apology. We don’t seek to abuse or discriminate as a matter of course.
And, even if there are those among us who would hold that belief system, what are we going to do with it? We don’t run institutions of power, and we don’t shape the intellectual discourse. We can’t even seize claim to the media images of ourselves. Others, in more powerful positions, do that for us. Power is the partner of racism. Tiger maintained that those who would insist on thrusting the "racist" label on blacks are foolish. And, they don’t get to foist their worldview on the very people they have chosen to denigrate.
That is not to say that there aren’t some instances where black people form pre-judgments or perceive evil intent where there is none. All of this is very tricky, and I have no doubt that there will be many who vehemently disagree with my reasoning. How whites view blacks can be a result of many factors—family attitudes, personal experiences, religious training, etc. We’ve had a number of very heartfelt diaries on this site sharing personal histories of how race has impacted their lives, primarily from white posters. I have been profoundly moved by them, and rejoice that these kinds of conversations and revelations are being shared in the blogosphere.
What has struck me in reading many of these stories is how so many white people don’t routinely interact with black folks. There is an interesting pattern of blacks being on the periphery of their lives. Not everyone, of course. But, just for kicks, indulge me in a little exercise. Where do you encounter black people in your life? As fellow passengers on the public transit system? As colleagues in your workplace? As employees in your household? As fellow parishioners in your houses of worship? As friends and family at your dinner table? Not at all?
How blacks view whites is so much more complicated and that much more difficult to explain. You’ve heard the jokes about how blacks have always been bi-lingual, the punch line being that we’ve had to learn to move and speak in two worlds. We often speak a different language with our friends than we do in "public". Barack’s brilliant speech masterfully alluded to this truism. And, because in the past we’ve been operating on these two separate wavelengths, we’ve had great difficulty understanding each other. I think that’s changing. I know that it’s changing. As long as we can continue to have open, honest, and perhaps scary conversations, the chasm will lessen.
So, while some blacks may not choose to spend a great deal of time with whites, that may hurt your feelings, but it’s not racism. We may not choose to be your best friend in the workplace, but that’s the power of personal prerogative, not racism. I can already anticipate those who will suggest that the same can be said of whites conversely, but, in my view, it’s a debatable point, and best left to another diary. :-) And, if we raise legitimate criticisms about our government, I’d call that patriotism, not racism, and proclaim God Bless America for having a system that allows for dissenting voices.