Have you ever wondered why it’s difficult for most white people in the United States to affirm that racism exists? Well, it’s because the white community is seldom on the receiving end of racist activities and as such, they never get to experience it first hand. One of the important lessons taught to us by capitalism is the notion that “it’s not my business unless it affects me directly.” This is exactly the reason why denying racism is the new racism. Let’s take a detailed look at these issues through a nonpartisan lens.
1. America’s Deadly Denial of Racism
I call it deadly because this form of racism is slithery and venomous, but so subtle you will hardly notice. It’s the same as standing still and watching a fellow innocent American being beaten to death and doing nothing. It takes the silence of good people for evil to reign. In essence, if you are sitting in a restaurant and the waiters treat you better than the African American couple in the table across you should speak up or you are much a racist as the Ku Klux Klan.
2. Denial of White Privilege
You only need to look at economic demographics to understand that racism actually exists. Whites are at the top of the pecking order and share a huge amount of the national cake. White privilege is especially rampant in the job market and academia. You will hear a number of excuses but the underlying cause is actually race.
3. Why It’s So Hard to Talk to White People About Racism
The American society is wired in such a way that people don’t like to meddle in the affairs of others. Whites have developed a tough skin towards racial issues and will immediately switch to defense mode the moment you mention racism. To them, the vice is considered as a problem of the “others” and therefore none of their business. However, a strong stance should be adopted because of the fact that denying racism is the new racism.
4. Why do many white people pretend racism does not exist?
The answer is easy and direct. It is simply because they are seldom on the receiving end. They have lived in a society that economically, socially, and politically favorable to whites. Therefore, most will consider it an advantage rather than a vice. For instance, who would complain just because they were hired based on their race? Rather than support it openly, most whites choose to pretend that it doesn’t exist just to maintain the status quo.
Denying racism is the new racism because it equals turning a blind eye on a vice that actually exists. Due to the fear and negative publicity associated with supporting racism, most white Americans choose to deny it’s existence.