Why can't we all just get along? This is a question that has
been plaguing society for generations. What is the cause for the disparity between the races? Is one race greater than another? This isn't a black and white issue. This is an issue that effects individuals, families, and generations.
The current image of racism is shifting. There is still much attention given to those that spew thoughtless and harmful insults targeting individuals because of their skin color. This is true for any variation on the color wheel, and includes the LGBT community. The point is that these outlandish comments detract from where the focus of racism has shifted. Racism 1.0 has morphed from easily
interpreted judgements into the form of Racism 2.0, which
requires an educated ear to hear its voice.
Let me explain.
Since Racism 2.0 is a covert form of racism, many have difficulty deciphering it. Then, because it is more challenging to recognize, it is viewed as a problem that is no longer in existence. When, in fact it happens every day but simply slides under the radar of overt accountability. This is mostly because it lacks the crass nature of Racism 1.0. A broad example of Racism 2.0 relates a white person, who proclaims to not be a racist making a covertly racist statement. For instance, a white person, noting how amazing it is that this black man was so "well spoken" or "articulate," but then thinks nothing of their comment. It sounds like a complement. Though, the underlying question to counter this "non-racist" statement is: Why shouldn't this person be well spoken or articulate? The color of his skin should not result in a surprise at the high aptitude the individual achieves. This is Racism 2.0.
There is truth to the statement that "It's HARD to see RACISM when you're white." The reason this is true is because of the unspoken ideal of white privilege. Tim Wise, an advocate of combatting racism, relates that it is his intent is to educate white people about the disparity between other races versus the white race. For example, white privilege is defined by the White Privilege Conference, which includes being able to:
- Assume that those you are studying about in school will be the same race, gender or sexual orientation that you are.
- Assume that your failures are not a result of or attributed to your race or gender.
- Not have to think about your race, gender, sexual orientation, or disabilities on a daily basis.
Many whites, like myself have these advantages in our daily lives. We are not given a wary eye as we pass others on the street. We are not targeted as potential criminals because of our white skin. We are afforded the opportunity to conduct our lives without the interference of judgements from strangers that know nothing of our intentions. We are free to live the American dream, and this opportunity is something that every American deserves.
An interesting scenario was mentioned in a thesis I researched about Racism 2.0. The activity described is called the Race Game. To play the game the white student was required to use the word "white" whenever they described their encounter with a white person. For example one might say,"I was at this restaurant, and the white waitress I had was so friendly." The "game" is intended to point out that "whiteness is never acknowledged by white people."
If this is true then that means that whenever one is describing an encounter and inserts, "black guy" or "hispanic girl," etc., then that is also a form of racism 2.0. There is a dividing line between the races and one of the keys to removing the barrier is in the use of language. Referring to a person as a person is the human element that can build bridges and unite races. We can all get along. The only disparity between the races are the ones that are so engrained we don't even realize they exist. It can be a black and white issue, an open and shut case. It is right to treat others with respect and dignity, without prejudice and judgement. Together we can derail the movement of Racism 2.0.
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