Three Myths about Racism | Candis Watts Smith | TEDxPSU

Summary

In this powerful address, the speaker explores the complexities of racism, emphasizing that it goes beyond individual prejudice to include systemic and institutional biases. They challenge the narrow definitions of racism often held by society, stressing that racism exists across the U.S. and is perpetuated by policies and practices. The speaker urges people to reflect on their own biases, educate their children on racism, and take action at the local level to promote racial equality. Ultimately, they call for a shared, precise definition of racism and a commitment to dismantling racial inequality for a more just society.

Takeaways

• 😀 Racism is not just an issue of individual prejudice, but a systemic problem embedded in societal structures and policies.
• 😀 Racism is often misunderstood and narrowly defined, which prevents meaningful progress towards racial equality.
• 😀 The idea that racism is only a Southern problem is a myth; racial inequality exists across the entire United States, in both historical and contemporary forms.
• 😀 While the South has historically had more visible racial issues, other regions, including the Midwest, Northeast, and West, now exhibit similar or worse racial disparities in areas like education and criminal justice.
• 😀 Society tends to focus on overt, visible racism (like blackface) while ignoring more subtle forms, such as discriminatory policies in housing, healthcare, and voting.
• 😀 The misconception that racism will disappear when older generations pass away is false; young people, especially white Millennials, often fail to live in truly diverse environments, despite claiming to embrace diversity.
• 😀 Colorblind ideologies—where racism is ignored or minimized—are harmful because they can reinforce racial biases instead of combating them.
• 😀 Talking to children about racism is crucial for preventing them from growing up with the same misconceptions and biases that many adults hold.
• 😀 Policymakers and local legislators play a critical role in perpetuating or eradicating racism through decisions made at the state and local levels.
• 😀 It’s important to focus on the policies and actions that perpetuate racial inequality, rather than just calling out individuals for racist behaviors.
• 😀 We have the power to create change by holding elected officials accountable, scrutinizing their policies, and supporting anti-racist initiatives in our communities.

Q & A

What is the main concern the speaker has about their child?

The speaker expresses concern about their child growing up in a society where racial inequality still exists. They hope that their child will be remembered positively as a child and not negatively as a grown man, especially in a world that still struggles with racism.

How does the speaker view the progress Americans have made regarding race?

The speaker acknowledges that Americans celebrate progress in race relations, often focusing on how far we've come. However, they warn that this focus on progress can blind people to the racial inequalities that still exist and the work that still needs to be done.

What narrow view of racism does the speaker critique?

The speaker critiques the common, limited understanding of racism in America, which often focuses only on the actions of older individuals from the South, typically associated with overt racism. They argue this view constrains efforts to address racism more broadly.

What is the speaker's message about racism in the U.S.?

The speaker urges that everyone has the potential to perpetuate racial inequality, even if they're not overtly racist. They call for a shared understanding of racism, one that goes beyond individual acts of prejudice and includes systemic and institutional factors.

What is the speaker's argument regarding the geography of racism in the U.S.?

The speaker challenges the idea that racism is only a problem in the South. They point out that other regions, like the Midwest and Northeast, have comparable or even worse racial inequalities, and that racism exists in different forms across the country.

What does the speaker mean by 'special brands of racism' in different states?

The speaker suggests that every state in the U.S. has its own unique form of racism, which can manifest in different ways, such as segregated schools or racial disparities in prison populations. This means that racism isn't just a Southern issue but a nationwide one.

What point does the speaker make about how racism is often hidden in policies?

The speaker highlights that while overt acts of racism, like blackface, may be condemned, people often overlook the racist policies and actions of legislators, such as reducing voting opportunities for certain groups or supporting segregationist policies.

Why does the speaker say that racism will not disappear when older generations die?

The speaker argues that racism won't vanish simply because older generations with overt prejudices pass away. They point out that younger people, while more diverse in their preferences, still often hold racial biases and live in racially segregated environments, suggesting that racism is deeply ingrained and requires active efforts to overcome.

How does the speaker describe the role of white parents in raising children regarding racism?

The speaker critiques white parents for avoiding conversations about racism, either to protect their children or by promoting colorblind ideologies. They argue that this avoidance can perpetuate racial ignorance and reinforce negative racial attitudes.

What does the speaker suggest people can do to combat racism?

The speaker encourages people to take proactive steps, such as holding politicians accountable for racial inequality, having difficult conversations with their children about racism, and addressing systemic racism in their communities. They also suggest supporting businesses and policies that align with anti-racist values.