Systemic racism

It is impossible to forget the historical experiences of discriminatory racial segregation in Hampton Roads. The short list includes separate public facilities; unfair distribution of resources for schools based on race; little quality health care; lack of employment opportunities; minimal-to-nofair criminal justice administration/enforcement; and even restrictions on movements through communities based on racial identities.

Decades of practicing such behaviors produced a culture of acceptance. In other words, the environment became systematized, enabled by various types of intimidation and use of public resources.

Laws changed but racially biased behaviors/attitudes have been more difficult to evolve positively. Instead, the often expectation has been that the disadvantaged forgive and forget the abuses thereby relieving accountability and guilt of the perpetrators and their supporters. Such a summary is not easy to accept, especially if one really wants to believe in a politico-social creed that gives attachment to equal respect, acknowledgment and fair treatment of all human beings.

Some citizens want to dismiss these realities, pretend that the unfairness never happened, or even blame the victims. Fortunately, a new generation of more clear-thinking people seems to be emerging. They are rejecting the old ways and actively exposing the reality of systemic racism.

The right-thinking among us will benefit by welcoming the new discourse.

Bismarck Myrick, Chesapeake