Do We Really Understand Racism?

A few years ago, I read a book, written by an African-American Woman, M. Garlinda Burton whom I understand is a member in the United Methodist Church (UMC). I was raised up in the UMC, but have since become ordained in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. I am not certain if she is ordained, but it seems that she has been an outspoken advocate for both Black folk and women  I am a quiet fan. For now. (The link I used no longer works.)

I liked what I read because she is saying that if anything, we should be against racism (and sexism), and discrimination of any type. She uses the terminology anti-racist, meaning it's not enough to be racially neutral, so-to-speak. We need to be against racism. But more and more, I am beginning to wonder if any of us really understand what racism is and is not? In other words, do Black folk really understand what it means to be racist, and do White folk really understand what it means to acknowledge that racism really does exist?

I keep hearing this thing about having the "conversation." But if it's one thing Americans seem to be good at, it is avoiding certain discussions, especially those that are sensitive, and where one or more groups has to admit that they are responsible/at fault. I think most of us are aware of the several groups, including the Southern Baptist Church, that has said, in one way or another, that they want to apologize for whatever role their "group" played in American slavery. Well okay--we get it. But what Black folk want to know is what can you do now? Regretting any involvement in slavery is wonderful! But what happens now--today?

When we as African-Americans continue to see and hear of disparaging treatments and comments, those treatments and comments that are derogatory, and hurtful, we have to wonder if there is ever going to be a "conversation"? And if so, what will that "conversation" consist of? I think that the not knowing (lack of knowledge, some would probably say ignorance), the blaming and the refusal to acknowledge that racism is still very much present, is what is at the least, stalling the "conversation".

Indeed, it will, no doubt, be an emotional discussion. And we cannot ignore this. I think it's way past time we had an open honest discussion in this country and lay all the stereotypes, the lack of knowledge, the incorrect ideas and assumptions, lay it all to rest. And it is emotional because it is painful. It's painful to believe that other human beings believe what they believe because of pigment and/or biology. And there is a belief that Black folk should not be angry, since we are told, that it happened so long ago. Really?.

I am not happy that we need to have this "conversation". But we need to have it, and soon!

This was written several years ago before George Floyd or Breanna Taylor. Go figure!