General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Silence Makes White People Racist [View all]Behind the Aegis
(53,959 posts)Though not black, I can draw on my experiences as someone who is gay and Jewish (among other things). When one learns the intricacies of racism, the "denial" becomes much easier to see. Example: My mother (64) is a white woman. She calls males younger than her "boy", including all 4 of her adult children (and her handsome, finally legal, son-in-law, my husband). While she was teaching, she told 2 of her students (young adults, over 18); "You boys stop talking while I teaching!" The two "boys" in question were both African-American. My mother meant nothing racist, as she literally says it all males younger than her, but they didn't know this. It was a case of misinterpretation. When she told me about it, I had to explain whether her intention or not, they didn't know her, and given what they may/have experienced in life, having a white person call them "boy" was seen as a racist insult. There is a 'denial' on her part that in this day and age people don't refer to black men as "boy," unlike her childhood, where it was common. It is our responsibility as the majority culture to be more aware of the needs and concerns of minority cultures.
Take a look from the Jewish perspective: recently, even posted here at DU, was an article about someone who was offended by wrapping paper that appeared to have swastikas. The reaction from many was to "remind" Jews (and others) of the swastikas original meaning, the common "I don't see it!" implying it's all in the Jews' minds, to tell Jews they were being "too sensitive," to stop playing the "Holocaust card" and get over it, and Jews are always looking to "play the anti-Semitism card." It is arrogant and it demonstrates a denial of anti-Semitism or perception of it. Even if it is nothing more than a misunderstanding (see the above example with my mom), it is irresponsible and presumptuous of a majority culture to ignore, or, in some cases, ridicule the concerns of a minority culture.
Education isn't just learning facts and figures, it is also learning about the popular and longstanding culture, understanding the needs of the culture, and respecting the minority perspective. When we, as white people, stand by and say nothing about racism, it can be, and is seen by some, as approval or indifference. We can't always understand everything because we don't live our lives as AA folks. We don't "think" about getting pulled over by the cops, or followed in the stores, or watching TV shows where people "like us" are represented in non-stereotypical fashions in a situation not meant to be satirical. It doesn't mean the minority perspective is always right/correct/informed, but it does need to be given heed.