Scientific racism understands racial variation as a biological distinction that determines superiority and inferiority. Only a theory rooted in nature could systematically account for the anomaly of slavery existing in a republic founded on a radical commitment to liberty, equality, and natural rights.... Scientific racism explained domination by one group over another as the natural order of things: Blacks were biologically destined to be slaves, and whites were destined to be their masters. It also forged an indelible link between race and policies governing reproduction. Because race was defined as an inheritable trait, preserving racial distinctions required policing reproduction. Reproductive politics in America inevitably involves racial politics.
I figured that once the jokes had died down the inevitable outrage is something that would rise to the surface. It is a weirdly bizarre situation that came out of left field to the general public but I think we can learn much from it. I firmly believe that most people are afraid to discuss racial relations because they do not want to be labeled racist or bigoted. And this is really attributed to the fact that we live in such a politically correct society that you cannot speak your mind without offending someone ( and their mother). This Dolezal story allows us to have an honest conversation about race, and it is one that is needed desperately. I remember reading that we had reached a post-racial society, after Obama claimed the oval office, but recent events are proving otherwise ( police brutality etc). I wanted to take the time to address a couple of points that I have been seen online about the topic on hand. I think everyone decides to become a virtual activist when a story like this comes around ( Jenner Trans story etc), and are very quick to condemn or praise. The problem is that we sometimes let emotions get the best of us and really fail to understand the bigger picture at hand: racial relations in 2015.
1.) “She took a job from a black person..” I think this point is important in breaking down the issue. Many people think she got her position in the NAACP based on her perceived “blackness”, but I’m sure many other people of color were also competing for the same position. I think people assume that she got this job based on some type of affirmative action policy, which is not the case here. The woman clearly has some type of activist record in which to pull from and is very active in her community. I think people are quick to get outraged, but not quick to write a letter to their congressman, or help the movement... It is easy for someone to sit behind a keyboard and downplay her contributions to the #blackmovement , but at the end of the day she is bringing something to the table and well....you are behind a keyboard.
2.) “Because this woman benefited from being Black and can go back to being white when it no longer suits her needs“ As I understood it this woman consciously took on the the struggle of the minority or more specifically here the “black experience.” All the persecution and obstacles that come from that experience are things that she took on. So if we break it down, she actually had this white privilege and turned it in for what we could argue is a more difficult livelihood.I think the fact that she felt more akin to this black path is actually quite refreshing ( to be honest). We live in a society that values white western European conceptions of beauty, and many minorities are trying to aspire to this image. And here comes this woman trying to take on perceived qualities that many ethnic woman are trying to run away from “ ie kinky hair etc). Imitation is the best form of flattery. And while Rachel’s story is an outlier, it does not mean that we should reject people that have been drawn to other cultures. I think to get offended by this is to accept the fact that minority cultures are sub cultures to the mainstream white society.
3.) “ she stole black culturism” Ive read this argument and it is generally applied to white people stealing perceived black characteristics and making them their own. This is true ( and also in Latino, and asian culture), but I do not think it is that much of a bad think. I think to be offended by this is somehow accept that minority culture is somehow beneath white society. Why should I be offended that aspects of our cultures are becoming mainstream? If anything it is normalizing or giving people familiarity with something that they aren't usually in contact with..(also applies to outrage over Iggy Azalia blackcent)
I understand why some people are against it, and yes I partially agree when it comes to this particular lady. But I am not quick to dismiss people that actually do feel a greater affinity to another culture. This is in no to take away from the minority struggle, and I agree that we cannot choose to throw in the towel when we are done. I think the bigger problem here comes from people that do take some of these cultural components, but then turn the other cheek when its time to actually fight for injustice in the community. I feel like in school you learn all about race being a social construct blah blah and how race is more ultimately about culture and how you are raised. I feel like this is actually more true than one would be think in the real world. In my experiences I have seen Hispanic kids in urban areas take on behavior and attributes of the black children ( or vice versa)..So these kids might not be quote and quote black, but they probably relate more with that culture. I have talked to people before that have lived this and it seems to hold true more than not.
I think society is changing and well racism and bigotry is still something that we are dealing with it...I don’t think shunning someone that feels an affinity to a minority culture is necessarily a bad thing...And we should probably start getting comfortable with it....because its not the last time this type of thing is going to happen.....
