Systematic Racism: A False Belief That Limits Us All
Understanding the term systemic racism is imperative in today's society. It is often misinterpreted as merely widespread racism, but it has a much more insidious meaning. When we talk about systemic racism, we refer to the tribute of a system's inherent attributes that lead to racial discrimination, even if no individuals within the system are inherently racist. However, this notion runs counter to the belief that racism is an issue primarily about individual beliefs and actions.
The False Premise of Systemic Racism
The idea of systemic racism suggests that institutions can be inherently racist, independent of the beliefs and actions of individuals. But this is a flawed premise. You cannot attribute conscious thoughts or intentions to an institution. An institution, by definition, lacks the internal mechanisms necessary for conscious thought or racial perception.
Unveiling the False Science Behind Racism
To delve deeper, it is important to understand the historical roots of the belief in race. The concept of race as a natural division of humans did not exist before the 19th century. It was a false propaganda developed to divide and conquer the working-class citizens by pitting them against the leisure class. This narrative was successful in the past and continues to exert influence today. The false premise was that by acknowledging and creating these divisions, the lightest-skinned individuals would feel a sense of superiority, thereby bringing prosperity to them.
Systemic Racism: A Delusional Construct
In reality, institutionalized racism not only fails to bring the promised prosperity but also causes harm to all involved parties. It is a chilling analogy to view systemic racism as if light-skinned individuals were stabbing their own palms in an act of self-harm. Similarly, if the lightest-skinned individuals in a global context viewed themselves as superior and harshly oppressed the darker-skinned parts of their own body, it would be a losing proposition for both parties.
The Wizard of Oz/Manipulative Deception
Systemic racism can be seen as a form of manipulative control, reminiscent of the Wizard of Oz's trickery. Just like the Wizard used illusions and deception to exert control over Dorothy and her friends, systemic racism uses false pretenses to manipulate and oppress. This control is not real but a form of deceptive manipulation aimed at maintaining power structures.
Conclusion and Action
In conclusion, the belief in systemic racism is a false belief that not only limits the supposed "victims" but also harms the very institutions and individuals that perpetuate it. It is time to recognize the harmful nature of this belief and strive for a more equitable and inclusive society. By understanding and challenging these narratives, we can begin the process of dismantling systems that perpetuate false divisions and instead build a society that truly values and supports all individuals.