Explaining problematics to the problematic
Tonight was encounter #3 with a friend of mine in which I stated his Blackhawks hat had a racist caricature of a Native American on it. It must be stated that the last two times I pointed this out our discussions on the matter did not produce any fruitful results. Tonight, however, we were able to talk about the it in a more calm manner and even though I don’t believe tonight’s discussion changed his views on what racism is, it did spur me to write what I hope to be a series addressing some of the stuff that I believe he does not understand about racism so that he may one day be able to read them. If I am wrong about anything please let me know so I can present the most accurate information and perspective in my writings.
I want to do this because as a white person I feel it’s important to call out problematic/racist not only because it needs to stop but also because white people don’t generally discuss the topic as a reality of the society we live in. Most conversations I’ve experienced on the topic of racism generally centers around what I’ll call “white apology” which is the instant defense of white culture without even listening to the complaint against it followed by some petty reason to dismiss it.
I do not claim to be an expert on the subject whatsoever, so any input on how to explain racism to white people is greatly appreciated.
