I find that discussions of the under representation of Black citizens in upper middle income jobs nearly always neglect the psychological damage caused by 400 years of racism in the United States. The widely held belief that African Americans are intellectually inferior to other races permeates our culture. When people get that message, however subtlety, they tend to assume it is true, perhaps especially Black people. If a child is told over and over that they are “stupid” or “will never amount to anything” they will usually believe it unless they are provided convincing evidence and psychological support to the contrary. Why do Black Africans and Black West Indian immigrants tend to succeed in the United States? I would submit that it is because they were spared the crippling effects of racist assumptions as they were growing up. Unless we endeavor to correct that problem we aren’t addressing a root causes of racial disparities in America.
The article and follow on conversation can be further expanded into the 'systemic quietude' on actual social reforms. I was struck by Isabel Wilkerson's quietness when it came to a lifting of the stigma and laws against interracial marriage. Her thesis of the United States having a caste system (generally noted in strict opposition to intermarriage) is undone with Loving v. Virginia (1967) and noted in Gallup polls since then. This systemic avoidance of acknowledging change makes articles like this ever more necessary. My analysis can be found here: The Struggle to Produce an Ethnic Studies Curriculum in Multiracial California - Times of San Diego
"People/Person/Writer/Artist/Actor/Student of color", "community/communities of color" & all the other terms like them are the updated terms of the old racist term "Colored". They're a sign of devolution. Not to mention using those terms perpetuate racism instead of lessening it.
David- this is so thoughtful. Thank you for publishing. I have a number of thoughts I would like to share and discuss with you. Please reach out to me directly if you are interested.
Jun 27, 2022·edited Jun 27, 2022Liked by Free Black Thought
Bernstein casually seems to admit systemic racism exists but never really explains what he really is acknowledging. That’s because as is evidenced by his essay, Bernstein really only acknowledges blatant and facially racist policies. He needs the kind of beyond a reasonable doubt evidence reserved for the criminal setting and too conveniently ignores mass disparities that only can be attributable to race.
I find that discussions of the under representation of Black citizens in upper middle income jobs nearly always neglect the psychological damage caused by 400 years of racism in the United States. The widely held belief that African Americans are intellectually inferior to other races permeates our culture. When people get that message, however subtlety, they tend to assume it is true, perhaps especially Black people. If a child is told over and over that they are “stupid” or “will never amount to anything” they will usually believe it unless they are provided convincing evidence and psychological support to the contrary. Why do Black Africans and Black West Indian immigrants tend to succeed in the United States? I would submit that it is because they were spared the crippling effects of racist assumptions as they were growing up. Unless we endeavor to correct that problem we aren’t addressing a root causes of racial disparities in America.
Very helpful analysis, which would link up nicely to further exploration of the social theories underpinning various notions of systemic racism
The article and follow on conversation can be further expanded into the 'systemic quietude' on actual social reforms. I was struck by Isabel Wilkerson's quietness when it came to a lifting of the stigma and laws against interracial marriage. Her thesis of the United States having a caste system (generally noted in strict opposition to intermarriage) is undone with Loving v. Virginia (1967) and noted in Gallup polls since then. This systemic avoidance of acknowledging change makes articles like this ever more necessary. My analysis can be found here: The Struggle to Produce an Ethnic Studies Curriculum in Multiracial California - Times of San Diego
https://timesofsandiego.com/opinion/2020/12/29/the-struggle-to-produce-an-ethnic-studies-curriculum-in-multiracial-california/
Thanks for publishing this piece. It is excellent.
"People/Person/Writer/Artist/Actor/Student of color", "community/communities of color" & all the other terms like them are the updated terms of the old racist term "Colored". They're a sign of devolution. Not to mention using those terms perpetuate racism instead of lessening it.
David- this is so thoughtful. Thank you for publishing. I have a number of thoughts I would like to share and discuss with you. Please reach out to me directly if you are interested.
Bernstein casually seems to admit systemic racism exists but never really explains what he really is acknowledging. That’s because as is evidenced by his essay, Bernstein really only acknowledges blatant and facially racist policies. He needs the kind of beyond a reasonable doubt evidence reserved for the criminal setting and too conveniently ignores mass disparities that only can be attributable to race.
Tolerance isn't the same thing as acceptance