Racism in 'Murica
Luke Kirchner
In a recent article published by Reason, many Americans are split on whether or not we, as a country, are more racist than ever or at a "racist low". As a response from Jussie Smollet's 'fake' attack, Columbia University linguist John McWhorter stated: "we have come further on race than we are often comfortable admitting" (Reason). While his personal views can be a little extreme at times (for example he stated antiracism is a new secular religion), some of his points are totally valid. He says race baiting is now a common thing in many different places, such as entertainment. McWhorter also points out racial progress and how many Americans fail to see progress, either through ignorance or being persuaded by outside sources.
Like I said earlier, some of his views are a little extreme but I do happen to agree and understand what he is saying. I believe sometimes racial biases are pushed a little too far. Take the police for example- many bad incidents happen and they need to be held fully accountable for their actions- but not all police are bad. I've seen the media portraying white police officers as being systemically racist while in fact that racism is systematic. There is nothing in a handbook that tells an officer to be racist to any one race or any one individual. That comes from an interpersonal decision. which could be based on a number of things, such as the feeling of power or already implemented personal racist notions. Issues like these are often painted in the wrong light and while we have a long ways to go, I do see change in racial awareness, policy and understanding.
https://reason.com/video/america-has-never-been-less-racist-and-m/
Its a video
In a recent article published by Reason, many Americans are split on whether or not we, as a country, are more racist than ever or at a "racist low". As a response from Jussie Smollet's 'fake' attack, Columbia University linguist John McWhorter stated: "we have come further on race than we are often comfortable admitting" (Reason). While his personal views can be a little extreme at times (for example he stated antiracism is a new secular religion), some of his points are totally valid. He says race baiting is now a common thing in many different places, such as entertainment. McWhorter also points out racial progress and how many Americans fail to see progress, either through ignorance or being persuaded by outside sources.
Like I said earlier, some of his views are a little extreme but I do happen to agree and understand what he is saying. I believe sometimes racial biases are pushed a little too far. Take the police for example- many bad incidents happen and they need to be held fully accountable for their actions- but not all police are bad. I've seen the media portraying white police officers as being systemically racist while in fact that racism is systematic. There is nothing in a handbook that tells an officer to be racist to any one race or any one individual. That comes from an interpersonal decision. which could be based on a number of things, such as the feeling of power or already implemented personal racist notions. Issues like these are often painted in the wrong light and while we have a long ways to go, I do see change in racial awareness, policy and understanding.
https://reason.com/video/america-has-never-been-less-racist-and-m/
Its a video
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