Book TV at Duke University: Eduardo Bonilla-Silva, "Racism without Racists"

Summary

In this interview, Professor Eduardo Bonilla-Silva of Duke University discusses his book *Racism Without Racists*, exploring how racism has evolved into a more subtle form called 'colorblind racism.' He explains that while traditional racial prejudices have diminished, new forms of inequality persist, often hidden behind claims of 'equal opportunity.' Bonilla-Silva critiques colorblind ideology and the Obama presidency, emphasizing the need for social movements to address racial injustice. He advocates for systemic policy changes and a deeper understanding of how discrimination operates in everyday life, urging that only through confronting race can society move toward genuine racial equality.

Takeaways

• 😀 Bonilla-Silva challenges the traditional view of racism, moving beyond the Klan and neo-Nazi groups to address more subtle forms of racial inequality.
• 😀 He introduces the concept of 'colorblind racism,' where people claim not to see race but continue to support policies that uphold racial inequalities.
• 😀 The ideology of 'abstract liberalism' allows individuals to oppose policies like affirmative action under the guise of supporting equal opportunity, but in reality, it perpetuates racial disparities.
• 😀 Bonilla-Silva critiques the idea that the election of a Black president (Obama) signifies the end of racial inequality, arguing that systemic racism persists.
• 😀 He highlights the contradiction in people who claim to oppose government intervention in racial matters but support it in other areas, such as economic policies.
• 😀 While legitimate critiques of President Obama exist, Bonilla-Silva points out that much of the opposition to him is racially motivated, as seen in movements like the Tea Party and the birther movement.
• 😀 Bonilla-Silva advocates for social movements to be the central force in addressing racial inequality, emphasizing that electoral politics alone cannot drive significant change.
• 😀 He stresses that racial inequality in America is ongoing, pointing out the subtle and systemic discrimination that occurs in everyday life, such as in stores or public spaces.
• 😀 Bonilla-Silva illustrates how subtle forms of discrimination (e.g., being policed in stores) continue to impact people of color, often without overt racism being expressed.
• 😀 The professor calls for a focus on policies that address systemic inequalities, such as affirmative action, alongside broader efforts to fight racial inequality through grassroots activism.

Q & A

What is the central theme of Eduardo Bonilla-Silva's book 'Racism Without Racists'?

The central theme of the book is the persistence of racial inequality in America, despite the rise of a colorblind ideology that avoids traditional racist tropes and instead uses more subtle forms of discrimination.

What does Eduardo Bonilla-Silva mean by 'colorblind racism'?

Colorblind racism refers to the contemporary, subtle form of racism where people avoid overt racist language and beliefs but still perpetuate systemic racial inequalities through abstract ideas like equal opportunity and individualism.

Can you provide an example of 'colorblind racism' as explained in the interview?

An example of colorblind racism is the opposition to affirmative action, where individuals claim to support equal opportunity but argue against policies that address racial inequality, often framing such policies as 'reverse racism.'

How does Eduardo Bonilla-Silva explain the opposition to affirmative action?

Bonilla-Silva argues that while some people may oppose affirmative action based on ideological principles, research shows that those who oppose it often hold prejudiced views on race, indicating that their opposition is rooted in racial bias rather than principle.

What does Bonilla-Silva mean when he discusses the 'new racism'?

The 'new racism' refers to the post-civil rights era racial system that emerged after the collapse of Jim Crow laws. It maintains systemic racial inequality, but in more covert ways, like through colorblind ideologies and institutional practices.

What is the role of social movements in addressing racial inequality according to Bonilla-Silva?

Bonilla-Silva emphasizes that social movements have historically been crucial in advancing racial equality and that they must return to a tradition of mobilization to address racial inequality, rather than relying solely on electoral politics.

How does Bonilla-Silva critique President Obama's approach to racial inequality?

Bonilla-Silva critiques Obama's presidency by suggesting that, while Obama advanced racial discourse in some ways, his presidency ultimately upheld the racial system that emerged in the 1970s, contributing to the persistence of racial inequality.

What is the difference between overt and new forms of discrimination?

Overt discrimination refers to explicit acts of racism, like hate crimes, while new forms of discrimination are more subtle and institutional, such as assumptions made about people's abilities or behaviors based on their race.

Can you explain the concept of 'abstract liberalism' as mentioned in the interview?

'Abstract liberalism' is the idea of advocating for equal opportunity without addressing the structural inequalities that prevent certain groups, like African Americans and Latinos, from achieving true equality in areas like the labor market and housing.

What does Eduardo Bonilla-Silva suggest as a solution to racial inequality in America?

Bonilla-Silva suggests a combination of enhanced affirmative action policies and systemic anti-discrimination measures, as well as a renewed focus on social movements and public mobilization to challenge racial inequality.