Racism is not Dark Matter

Scientists can disagree whether dark matter exists. They can probe and test and even do research on the physics which prove or disprove it’s existence. It’s a physical thing which may or may not exist.

Racism exists. I think you agree it exists. And because it exists, we must be careful not to suggest that bad media representation of crime stats, anecdotal acceptance of name calling, or even our own bias is proof that maybe it doesn’t really exist — at least, not in any meaningful way.

Yes, you admit that it exists in a few places — geographic locations. But, racism is not a weather phenomenon, it is a social construct. Social constructs exists in our minds and are metered out in our actions — which makes them difficult to pin down. This is why we study the reasons for the overwhelmingly disproportionate incarceration of black men — because we can’t always point to an actual incidence of racism. That doesn’t mean it is absent. Your assertion, that racism is mostly absent from society, ignores the reality of systemic racism which has been shown to exist nearly everywhere white people are in charge — at the workplace, in the government, and even at the game. This kind of racism has the same effect as calling someone a name, even more so — because jobs, loans, access, and yes, freedom.

I like your writing. A lot. It’s raw and engaging. Please keep sharing stories — they are incredible.

So it is with a heavy heart that I’m calling foul on this racism point you make. I’d like to explain why, but alto did a much better job of it this morning when he posted the following essay:

I’d be grateful if you read Alto’s piece and responded in kind so we can draw this conversation out into the public forum. This interests me greatly because I have many upperclass friends who make assertions similar to yours —

“Real racism is practically non-existent”.

I want this to be true. It’s not. As such, I’m worried that a well intentioned, but revisionist view of reality by people in power will maintain the insidious systemic racism that is holding back the potential awesomeness of our collective society.

Peace.