Discovering my racism was actually a bit of a surprise. In fact, if you had asked me if I was a racist just a few months ago, I would have been quite offended. Thankfully, I’m learning a lot as I begin to “lean in” to the issues of racism and racial injustice. One of the most important things I’ve learned is that I have a great deal more to learn… and to do.
We tend to think of racists in terms of self-proclaimed white supremacists or the individuals we see (all too often) in the news because of their blatantly racist actions. Clearly, these ARE racists. But if racism was limited to the impact of this (hopefully) small part of our population, we would not be in the midst of a powerful and important movement to address systemic racial injustice.
I grew up in Iowa at a time when African Americans made up around 1% of the population. I believe we had one black person in our high school class of more than 1,000. It’s fair to say that we lived in a “white bubble.” And I think it’s also fair to say that I still do.
Oh, I’ve had (have) black friends, co-workers, bosses, and pastors. But all these relationships existed in very “white” environments. By that, I mean that the vast majority of people in my community, workplace, and church were white. These were very comfortable environments… for me. I rarely gave much thought to how being black in a (very) white environment would alter the experience. And now I see that this (not giving much thought to it) is a big part of the problem we face.
We moved a lot over the years… spending time in virtually all regions of the U.S. Our time in the South was (from a racism perspective) quite an eye-opener.
While looking for a house, my wife and I were warned by our realtor not to purchase a home in a neighborhood because it was “in transition.” When asked to clarify, the realtor explained that several (of the 1,000+) houses in the neighborhood had recently been purchased by black families. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing… and quickly responded that this was not an issue for us.
Within months of purchasing our new home, more than one hundred houses in this neighborhood were up for sale and real estate values were rapidly dropping.
This was Atlanta in the ’80s and we were experiencing (first-hand) the impact of “white flight.” We were amazed (and so disappointed) to see that people would be so shallow as to not purchase a home (or would want to quickly sell their home) simply because black families were joining the neighborhood.
Until recently, this might have been a story I told to show that, while I was aware of racism, I certainly wasn’t part of it. Today, I find myself wondering… would I have made the same decision if the demographics of the neighborhood had been reversed? Would I today? If race truly wasn’t an issue for me, then I wouldn’t have to wonder.
On the other hand, there are a lot of things I don’t have to wonder about. I don’t have to wonder if MY moving into a neighborhood would cause others to leave. I don’t have to wonder if MY children will be discriminated against because of the color of their skin. I don’t have to wonder about a great many things that many others do.
And the reality is… I should be wondering about these things.
I should be wondering and caring what it would feel like. I should be wondering what role I play in maintaining the status quo. I should be wondering why it is taking us so long to address the underlying issues. I should also be wondering what steps I can and should take to help make change a reality.
So what does this racist have to confess?
I confess… that I been far too comfortable in a society that is grounded in racism and social injustice.
I confess… that I have paid far too little attention to the challenges that people of color face every day.
I confess… that there is (much, much) more that I can and should do to help make a difference.
I confess… that it feels a bit overwhelming to think about how much has to change.
I confess… that, even now that I am beginning to understand, I have a very long way to go in understanding and addressing my racism.
I am working on it.
Thank you Ric. I think it takes courage to write this in the way you did since many of us feel the same and it is easy to admit. I came to this country in my 30s thinking racism is behind now and I looked up to the US for being so diverse and accepting of all colors Having lived here for 20 years now I see I could have done better and not be content by saying I am not a racist. Now we know better and we have to do better. I am glad to be among many brave souls like you.
Thank you for your kind words and encouragement, Brooke. Glad to be on this journey with you.
Ric
Thank you Ric for writing this article. It is important to share our learning and growth journeys as part of active allyship and so that others may learn and grow their understanding of the challenges people of color face that often people like you and I have not had to personally experience. I continue on my learning and growth journey by seeking to understand so I can be a better ally and meaningfully walk beside my brothers and sisters of color to create greater equality and acceptance for all.
Thank you for your thoughtful response, Brian. I look forward to joining you on that meaningful walk.
WoW, Ric. Very reflective and heartfelt here. Makes people think deeper and truly see the reality of
Their values, thoughts and actions… if we don’t dig deep we cover the shame and will feel remorse at some point perhaps…
…thank you for this brave piece.
Thank you so much, Paula. It felt good to push through… at least as far as I’ve gotten. Long way to go.
Ric, This is fantastic. As someone who grew up in a “white bubble” in Montana, I can so relate to your experience and the questions you are asking are long overdue for most of us. I so appreciate you having the courage to share your story and highlight how much work there is to be done and how we all can participate in, finally, being part of the solution.
Thanks for stepping up here, Kimberly, as we are so pleased that you (and Ric) will be joining such “uncomfortable” discussions such as this as we look forward to the inaugural gathering of Salon 360° next week. More about that for others here: https://www.bizcatalyst360.com/walking-the-talk-time-for-shift-to-happen/
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Kimberly. I’m so glad this resonates with you. The journey continues.
Thank you for sharing, Mac. It’s tough getting those splinters out… but so worth it.
Ric
Thanks, Ric.
Spot on. I believe we have a cultural, deep-seated shame about our foundation in racism and genocide. That, like many unresolved issues, will always continue to work itself out (often sideways) until we acknowledge our universally-held pain. Until we bring it out and shine an unrelenting light on it, we will not have created a vacuum big enough to make space for healing and for an abiding decency. And that’s each and every one of us.
I was mugged at gunpoint. It was a black man. I still have a visceral reaction when I’m alone on the street at night and a black man is coming the other way. It took me a while to realize that if it’s a white man coming the other way, I feel a different, a less fearful reaction. And I’ve been chased by a bunch of white men in Virginia back in my hippy days who were more than ready to take me down.
I need to dig that splinter out and find out how to let it go.
Be good. And well.
Mac
Thank you for sharing, Mac. It’s tough getting those splinters out… but so worth it.