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Wednesday, July 1, 2020

Confused about Racism?

Copyright © Thought Rising 2020 All rights reserved.

I am confused by all of the rhetoric about Racism in the news and  in discussions with friends and family.  First off there is this term "White Privilege" that confuses me greatly.  Somehow because I'm  white,  I am a beneficiary of White Privilege.  Because I have White Privilege, it is concluded that I'm an institutional racist.  This simply doesn't calculate.  When White Privilege is explained to me, I do not  recognize any of the privileges that I am an alleged beneficiary of.

I raised an African-American child.  Does that mean that he has White Privilege, since White Privilege is something that is passed down from parents to their children?  What about Colin Kaepernick?  Is he White Privileged since at least one of Colin's parents if not both are white?
What about Nate McMillan, a multi-millionaire coach of the NBAs Indiana Pacers?  Is he privileged because he has spent his entire adult life within the shield of the National Basketball association either as a player or as a coach?  He decries racism in our country, but I'm confounded about how exactly it impacts him. Moreover, I've listened to and read dozens of heated comments about racism from privileged public figures who happen to be African Americans.  I understand that they feel compelled to condemn racism and I don't have a concern about their sincerity, but I'd like to know exactly how a Black man or woman who has made millions or even tens of millions or hundreds of millions over their lifetime has been harmed by racism?  When you call the shots in your life everyday and never have to wonder about where your next meal is going to come from; when you've not had to worry about having a roof over your head for decades, and when you've lived a thoroughly privileged life does the color of your skin give you some privilege to voice outrage over a White-Privileged society that has beaten you down?  I find it completely incongruent with reality., That's not to say that Black Americans of the top tier social class should not comment on racial injustice, I just would rather see the rhetoric dropped down a notch or two and the underlying issues addressed.  Systemic racism is not something that can simply be fixed; however the underpinnings of systemic racism and social justice concerns can be addressed individually.  Black lives do matter to me and, in fact, all lives matter to me; however, through my decades of political and social activism, I have learned that rhetoric tends to cloud the underlying issues that can be addressed concretely, and diverts attention from the good work that can be done to improve our society.

I protested against Apartied as a University Campus organizer in the mid-1980s.  Does this absolve me of any of this White Privilege that I am accused of?  Does it make me any less a racist that I have put my body and soul on the line for Racial Equity?

I am jewish by birth.  I was raised in a family that was not well-to-do.  We lived far beyond our means and mom and dad were perpetually bankrupt.  I had to work hard for everything that I've accomplished in my life.  Nothing was handed to me.  Does this reduce my White Privilege, or merely increase it?

For 20 years, I have been counselling Parents of divorce or paternity-related actions involving the family Courts.  I have been emphasizing the importance of Fathers having close bonds with their children.  I have counselled Fathers, and some Mothers of every race, creed color, religion and gender including a number of LGBTQO+ parents.  Does any of this this atone for my despicable white privilege?

I have a 30+ year record of political action supporting racial  and gender equality, yet I am institutionally racist.  This is what confuses me.


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