Facing up to one’s own prejudices can be a difficult process.
For the first 20 years of my life, I didn’t even notice it. I thought everyone could live the way I lived. It wasn’t until I started hanging out with Maori and Pakeha treaty activists that I realised how race shaped my own life. Yes, white privilege exists. When I first realised I that had privilege, it was painful. I didn’t want to admit that others lost so that I could gain. And I didn’t want to give anything up.
Racism (along with sexism, heterosexism, and all the other isms) is seldom overt. In its subtler forms it is difficult, if not impossible, to prove or overcome. It’s often denied, disguised or rationalised until it becomes invisible. Often it’s not even conscious.
Overt racism happens because of what people think and feel. Covert racism often happens because of what people neglect to think about. We all have preconceived ideas. Even the most tolerant people hold onto racist stereotypes. I know that I have been guilty of this myself, on many occasions. Often. My behaviour was explainable. I didn’t intend to make a racist judgement. I didn’t mean to do anything wrong. But… that doesn’t mean my behaviour was justifiable.
Racism is pervasive and persistent, from our expectations of people, to the language we use, to the images portrayed in the media. It could be as subtle certain details being left out of a history book. Or a shopkeeper being (unconsciously?) influenced by the colour of someone’s skin, and seeing them as suspicious because of this.
Racism isn’t just perpetrated by Bad People. That’s the scary part. It’s perpetuated by nice people, intelligent people, people with good intentions. People like you and me.
There are stereotypes that I still cling to. If I want to get rid of them, I have to admit to owning them, and that’s not an easy thing to do. But it’s worth it.
Links:
White Privilege
Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack
Racism in NZ
Modern Racism in Canada
“Being part of the dominant culture is not a bad or shameful thing. Instead, it creates an opportunity to make conscious, constructive steps in understanding the people of the land. It is obvious to me that the challenge starts with myself, with my pronunciation, practice, values and everyday thinking. Decolonisation brings with it the challenge of personal development, which will in time re-shape partnerships, families, communities and nations.” – Alex Barnes.
Posted by Fionnaigh at September 24, 2003 02:38 AM