Mary Catherine Schmitz,
Houston, TX
I acknowledge that many white people tend to prevaricate over the issue of racism in our society. Some might even try to downplay or avoid talking about it in social settings. I realize that these kinds of behaviors might appear indicative of racist beliefs. However, most of the time, these behaviors have to do with feelings of embarrassment and shame over aspects of our history. My race, like all others, reflects on our history and how it might affect us going forward. Most white people today have a sense of moral reasoning strongly affected by the civil rights movement that occurred a few generations ago. As modern people we often struggle greatly to reconcile the travesties and mindsets of our forebears with the way our social schemas are made up today. Due to this, a lot of white people will often disengage from thinking about how they might be affected by their forebear’s beliefs out of worry and, try to avoid participating in discussions related to the topic of racism. That said, I am very much aware that there are indeed white people in modern times who most definitely hold racist beliefs. In my experience they are, more often than not, very proud of their racism and are very vocal about trying to propagate their disturbing ideals to others. There are many who don’t believe it is necessary, or even socially acceptable, to make meaningful distinctions between the moral and immoral members of my race. Often times, people rarely feel the need to be contentious of the language they employ, or care how their messages might be interpreted by others when discussing issues involving white people. I can understand why there might be people who don’t believe that this constitutes a legitimate issue in our society. After all, all other races were denied any semblance of social, economic, and political equality for generations. Even now, there are still tangible inequalities that persist to this day. There are many who probably feel that because of these facts, white people should not get to decide what they think is offensive to themselves. As white people might try to manipulate or stifle any criticism of their behaviors and actions by labeling it as offensive or harmful; It is likely that many fear this would cause the civil rights, that so many have worked hard to guarantee for themselves and others, to regress. However, I still believe it to be an issue within the way current race-relations are held. I am not at all, and would never be, opposed to criticism of my race when it comes to legitimate social issues. My only request is that a standard of mindfulness and contentiousness be maintained throughout each dialogue that is opened in respects to each party.
