Racism as a White Problem

Abstract

Slavery and segregation are now illegal in the United States, but their effects are still deeply and pervasively felt. Studies consistently show that European Americans enjoy unearned and often unsought advantages in every arena, from education to employment to home mortgage rates. Racism, however, is usually explained by describing its destructive consequences for people of color, especially African Americans. Understanding how the ongoing trajectory of slavery, segregation, and white racist supremacy has shaped the black community is vital to African Americans’ insight into themselves, their histories, and their visions for the future. The psychological and emotional toll for people of color who constantly confront blatant and subtle racism is unimaginable to most whites, yet such knowledge can motivate us to join the struggle to change this dysfunctional system. Unless we cultivate eyes to see it, however, we will continue to perpetuate it.