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comment by galen
galen  ·  2538 days ago  ·  link  ·    ·  parent  ·  post: Pubski: April 5, 2017

    I do not make special allowances for, or treat people worse because of the melanin content or lack thereof of their skin.

a. That's false, and I have a feeling your reluctance to take the IAT has something to do with that.

b. Treating people equally when they start from an unequal position reproduces inequality.

    What 'change' do you expect me to make?

Step 1: acknowledge that your own identity is tied up in pervasive notions of whiteness. Do your best to limit their influence on your actions, but recognize that you probably can't change them.

Step 2: accept that the moral burden of achieving equality lies on the oppressor, not the oppressed. However that's defined. Men, straight people, cis people, white people, the rich, whatever.

Step 3: do something about it.

--

Reread b. up there. Being a non-racist is not enough. The question is, are you anti-racist?





OftenBen  ·  2538 days ago  ·  link  ·  

    That's false, and I have a feeling your reluctance to take the IAT has something to do with that.

"You're a racist and I'll prove it."

    b. Treating people equally when they start from an unequal position reproduces inequality.

Right, so start fighting the wealthy elite who keep poor people of all skin colors poor. If we're both drowning but I'm 5 feet closer to the surface than you are, I can't help you as much as the guy on the surface with the dive boat.

    Step 1: acknowledge that your own identity is tied up in pervasive notions of whiteness. Do your best to limit their influence on your actions, but recognize that you probably can't change them.

    Step 2: accept that the moral burden of achieving equality lies on the oppressor, not the oppressed. However that's defined. Men, straight people, cis people, white people, the rich, whatever.

    Step 3: do something about it.

Lovely words. Nothing actionable.

    The question is, are you anti-racist?

If you mean 'Do you oppose people who make judgements based on melanin content of skin?' then I am an anti-racist. If you mean 'Do you unilaterally support BLM on every single issue?' Then I am a virulent racist, because I think skin color is the least interesting thing about a person.