As I got older I learned more about the world, started paying attention to viewpoints different than my own. When I heard a large group of people stating that racism was a current problem, not a relic in the past, I didn't see it directly. But as is my nature, I sought out information and facts to analyze their arguments; an attempt to find the truth for myself and come to my own conclusion. It took a lot of time and reading to get to the point where I feel comfortable that my opinions and judgment are based on reality and not merely a worldview limited by my necessarily small window onto society.
The other day I decided to write a post to collect many of the sources I found in my years of learning in the hopes that it would make such an endeavor easier for others and would encourage them to become more informed before passing any judgment. But in my research I came across someone who had already done the same. Instead of replicating his work, I want to direct people directly to his site and give him the credit for a clear and cogent summary focused on information. No preaching, no emotional appeals, just the facts:
[EDIT: Mr. Tucker's post is no longer available for some reason. Here are some alternative links instead:
As Mr. Tucker lays it out, the data is hard to refute. Some people try - and he addresses most of the common arguments you'll hear in the comments. Before we can have a real discussion on the topic of race in America, it's especially important for those who don't have to experience it to understand what the rest of the country gets to see in their own lives.
And for those who want to learn more, once again, I'll direct you to voices and information that has more legitimacy than my own, to people who know what they're talking about and deserve to be heard. It's a very small thing to ask that those of us who have been at the center of every narrative in our country to take the time to listen to a different perspective. Open up, show some empathy, and put in the effort to really learn.
If you don't want to put that much time into things, here's a fairly short article showing just the tip of the iceberg, but still enough to make the point: Institutional Racism is Our Way of Life.
Ta-Nahesi Coate's excellent summary of how we got to this state - know the past to understand the present. The Case For Reparations.
The seminal explanation of White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack.
Or for those who don't want so many words, so much reading, try listening to this kid: Royce Mann slam poem.
Hopefully this will get you closer to understanding the modern civil rights movement known as Black Lives Matter. The best way to understand it is to listen to what they are fighting for. You'll find it's much harder to dismiss their demands when you know what they are: Campaign Zero.
And to go with that, though it shouldn't need to be said, here's why 'All Lives Matter' (or any claim that we are beyond racism) misses the point and does a disservice to humanity.
And if you want even more knowledge, here's another list of great resources: Curriculum for White Americans.
As a white man in America, I've been able to go my whole life without ever having to deal with race. A lot of people want to continue in that manner. Until those of us who are in the majority consciously choose to listen to the minority, to force ourselves to face something which might discomfort us, the people of color who are oppressed will continue to face injustices without the option of looking away. It's inhumane to ignore them, it's arrogant to deny the truth, it's too easy to let the status quo stand when it leans in your favor. I've chosen to enlighten myself and I hope others will do the same.
