Can racism be eliminated from our society?
It’s high time that people realize that our differences shouldn’t be justification to divide us
At a recent seminar on “Racism and Law,” people of various ages, religions, ethnicities and gender were in attendance. Everyone present agreed that racism was wrong, but how many had actually witnessed, been a part of or victim of racism? Having encountered many situations in my lifetime where racial slurs were directed toward me, including the “N” word, and, unfortunately, having also witnessed demeaning and derogatory language and behavior used against people of all colors and backgrounds, I assumed my experiences were not unique.
I overheard someone say, “We’re all racist because we’re tribal by nature, and we believe our tribe is better.” While the veracity of the statement may be undeterminable, it’s irrefutable that inexplicable acts of racism occur every day. Therefore, if we’re honest with ourselves, we must each face and answer very somber questions.
Why does racism exist here and now? In a place, where, for generations, citizens of culturally diverse backgrounds have co-existed? Where people of ethnic descent have held positions of power and wealth? After all this time and experiences, why does racism persist?
Think about it! How many aspects of our lives require diversity for enjoyment and fulfillment? When we see fine art, the beauty is derived from the many colors, not the single shade of a blank canvas. When we hear great music, the variation in sound produces the symphony, not the drone of a single note. When we taste something delicious, it’s appealing because of the variety of textures and flavors. Chocolate and vanilla are both spices. When we’re enveloped by the feel of nature or the cityscapes of our environment, we enjoy the surroundings because of the differences, not the monotony of similarity. When the varied colors of the sky meet the textures of the horizon we are left to dream. When we think about it, the masterpieces of our lives occur because of the distinctiveness. These variations, when brought to our senses, bring us delight. If true, then why is any human variance treated with incivility?
Should we be color blind or see our differences and accept the value of the dissimilarities? Shouldn’t we recognize the problem is not our variation of color, creed or faith, but rather the obstacles related to our differences? The obstacles that restrict and constrain equal access to the opportunities our country and the world have to offer? How do we identify and remove these obstacles?
By knowing racism comes in many different forms, some obvious and others subtle. The obvious we have all seen and are usually associated with hate and destruction. The subtle and systemic forms are much more difficult to discern. Many times someone may not even realize that their words and/or actions are racist because the behavior is such a part of our social fabric.
For instance, a person of color working in a yard located in an upscale part of town. Many people stop and ask how much that person would charge to clean their yard. No harm was intended, but it presumes the person couldn’t be the owner of the property.
Or, someone questions out loud, why it seems a disproportionate number of a certain population appear to be receiving public assistance benefits. The person presumes that everyone receiving public benefits desires that lifestyle. They cannot understand that people amongst us, of every color, background and gender, have not had the same opportunities as have been available to that person. Blinded by the promise of the American Dream, the person feels that, if they can improve their status in life, that all can. While true, the American Dream lives in most us, it’s equally true, for centuries, many people, particularly women and those of color, have not had equal access to that dream. The person cannot empathize that any socially biased obstacle to prosperity makes the path for many frustrating and difficult, no matter the amount of effort.
Will racism ever be eliminated from our great society? Poet Maya Angelou wrote “While I know myself as a creation of God, I am also obligated to realize and remember that everyone else and everything else are also God’s creation.” If true, one day our eyes will see and our hearts understand that although we share differences, “we are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike.” And when brought to senses, our differences are beautiful! Accordingly, I’d like to think, since we’ve come such a long way, someday these challenging questions will be answered, and together, we will overcome. Frank Sedillo is a judge of the 2nd Judicial District Court (Bernalillo County). Opinions expressed here are solely those of the judge individually and not those of the court.