You Can't Fight Racism with Racism

[Anonymous]

Let me start this off by saying I am a young North American white woman, and I’ve chosen to stay anonymous (which is not my preference) because I expect a lot of backlash for bringing up this subject. Considering I’ve been harassed for my opinions before, but I feel strong about this topic, I feel this is the best way of getting my message out without receiving a ton of backlash.

My entire heritage is European; so needless to say, we are white as they come. Growing up, I knew that my ancestors were not kind to people of colour, and many of them stood at the highest leagues of racists that the world has ever seen. I learned from their mistakes, and was raised to see everyone as equal and that to pass judgments based on race was in fact racist. However, I also understood that there are those who live up to stereotypes all the same. Overall, I considered myself a well rounded person.

I have donated to many Black-specific charities, offered support for the Syrian refugees, and have dated outside of my race more than once. Yet, even to this day, I along with many other white people are deemed racist, all simply because we are white.

I can’t tell you how many times I have had my race attacked for being the at the pit of every other races problems: POC men can’t get a white girlfriend because white people are racist, white people are at the pit of all racism – it isn’t individual specific, it’s just white people as a whole; I was actually threatened off of a city bus by a man who told me he was going to rape and kill me because white people were the reason he lost his job. I almost began feeling ashamed of being white, even though I had never done anything racist in my life.

I understand that there is white privilege, and that there is a lot of unfair treatment that goes for all races. But if we all know that, and can acknowledge that, then why do we – people who struggle with the biased of racism – partake in it ourselves? If black men and women understand what it’s like to have unfair assumptions made about them for being black then why is it okay to do it to white people? Is it not hypocritical? And why to Indian men, or black men – POC in general bitch and moan about white women being racist for refusing to date them when it is EQUALLY as racist to make white women out to be trophies when women of all races are beautiful. Maybe instead of blaming one another based on our culture and the colour of our skin we should begin considering ignorance the fault of the ignorant person; the fault of their upbringing; the fault of their lack of education; the fault of society – not a single band of people defined by skin colour.

When it comes down to it, we all unite under one race: THE HUMAN RACE. So maybe instead of bashing one another, pointing the proverbial racist finger at whites, blacks, Hispanics, Indians – we point the finger at the person doing the racist act, but not before we ask ourselves if we don’t deserve to be pointed out ourselves.

That’s all I have to say on the matter.

[Nettie29Howie]

This sounds really good. Just because one person in a certain cultural group messes up doesn't mean the whole group is at fault. Unfortunately, this thought trend is embedded into us at a young age. My believe is that everyone should take the time and learn about other cultures and why they function the way they do. I agree, it's frustrating being accused of crap that has as nothing to do with you. It's crap being pre-judge before you can properly introduce yourself.

[myTake Owner]

I agree with you.

[Anonymous]

Great take. Thanks for sharing it. I can't tell you how many black people I've heard say "black people can't be racist". Bullshit! The most racist people I have ever met have been black, by FAR.

ANYONE can be racist and it is NEVER ok. Non-white people need to start checking their racism too because by pretending they are not racist they are only perpetuating the problem.

[chuppachup]

I completely agree with you, as a non-white person living in western society. The people who are claiming to be anti-racist but are, ironically, racist themselves rationalise it by saying "Oh, I'm just venting because of all the oppression I've faced" or another classic "racism = prejudice + power".

All of the semantics and bullshit mental gymnastics aside, these people are being hateful little shits, no matter how you look at it.

Nice take

[Entity]

The problem is that racism has multiple roots and you can't talk about all of them equivocally.

Some are sexual. Some are social. Some are political. Some are economic.

Each root has a totally different history and sadly the whole "Human Race!" deal does not satisfy all of them. For instance the fact that we're all human sure as hell doesn't count for much regarding incarceration rates, a social problem, or women on the cabinet and in leadership, a political problem, or "sexual preference", a sexual problem, or unfair hiring practices, an economic problem; these are all very different types of discrimination and just stating one's species isn't enough to assauge them.

The good news is that racism is a universal application; being white, black, latino, mestizo, indian, native, aboringee, Asian, or anything else plus all combinations does not make you exempt. Universal oppression is the best type.

[RansomDraven]

I think that you may have written my favorite take ever! And you came at it from a kind angle. Awesome job and you sound like an amazing person. My favorite part of this take: "women of all races are beautiful.". Excellent job! = )

[Matchmaker7072]

Thinking like this is the problem. You are not responsible for anything your ancestors did. White people are not alone in committing acts of atrocity.

[disgui010]

People have to take action to fight against racism. Silence won't do a damn thing. That'll only encourage for more racism. There are racists in every race. You can't fight racism with racism but you got to do something. Just talking about it won't do anything. Closet racists are still out there and I believe there are more in the closet than those who are open with it.