Even in the 21st century racism and prejudice, both perceived and real, continues to be a polarizing issue in America. A popular social definition of racism says that one can only be racist if he or she is in a position of power (such as being in the majority race) and uses that power to discriminate against other races. We shall examine the validity of this controversial definition and its profound implications relating to race and class.
RACISM = PREJUDICE + POWER?
Most people agree that everyone, of all ethnic groups, have racial prejudice. However, there is a popular idea that restricts the definition of racism to acts of discrimination which can only be done by those who are in power. Obviously, those with little or no social, economic or political power would have very few people over which they could discriminate. Those who advocate this definition then conclude that white people are the only ones who can be correctly labed “racist” since whites have controlled, and to a certain degree still control, most every institution and position of power in America. They reason further that whites are “privileged”, being the recipients of unearned benefits that have come from being the majority race and a long history of exploitation of people of color. Hence the phrase “white privilege”.
There are several things about this idea that are obviously true. It is true that whites control every major institution of power in this nation. By “institutions of power” we mean those institutions that educate (schools and universities) disseminate information (media), make laws (government), and enforce laws (police, judges and courts). Also included would be those institutions that make economic decisions for individuals, communities, cities, states and the nation (government, banks, lenders, business owners, realtors, employers, property owners, etc.). Although, non-whites have made significant gains, it is still obvious that the vast majority of people in power in America are white people. It has always been that way. That fact has shaped the way things are today.
The whites who are in power have the ability to enforce their racial prejudice. This has not been true of other ethnic groups. For example, it is true that some African-Americans are prejudiced against whites. However, African-Americans have never been in places of power in order to enforce their prejudice on others. It is also true that the power structure has caused disparity between blacks and whites. No one can intelligently deny the history that whites have enforced their racial prejudice throughout institutions of society. No ethnic group has ever had this power other than whites. The great strides that were made toward equality in the 20th century should not be understated. It is fervently debated how much progress still needs to be made in that area. But no matter how much or little progress is still needed, no one should deny the devastating effects of historical racism on minority groups today.
The Problem is the Way We View the Problem
There is no topic that is more volatile today than racism. Wounds, emotional scars and guilt make it a very painful reality for many. Because it is such an emotional issue, it is very difficult to remain objective. Many times discussions about race become shouting matches or debates in which neither side is listening to or even cares about the other. The biggest problem is the way we view the problem. We must always be aware of our own personal biases. We are the sum total of our life experiences. All of our experiences from the past up to the present shape the way we view the world as well as the way we think about it. Someone has said that when you are a hammer you tend to see everything as a nail. A psychologist will be tempted to see everything as a psychological issue, whether it is or not. The politician will be tempted to see everything as political and so forth. Those of us concerned about racial justice and equality are going to interpret the world through that concern. Of course we shouldn’t overlook race related events, but we must resist the temptation to make something a racial issue when in reality it may not be.
This is closely related to another issue which I call the “flat earth syndrome”. This is the constant temptation to judge things as they appear on the surface without full investigation. People believed the earth was flat for centuries because of the way it appears on the surface. They didn’t bother to investigate, do research or document their claims. It is unfortunate when we look only on the surface of things and make simplistic conclusions or sweeping judgments that are not documented. The fact is, this is one of the major errors of racial bigotry. We must be careful not to make the same mistake, no matter how noble our purpose.
One of my own experiences illustrates the dynamics just mentioned. While driving through a predominantly black neighborhood recently, I noticed a billboard ad for the phone company. It featured a young black male holding a telephone with the words, “I got my phone back!” The implication was that his phone service had been disconnected and the phone company helped him get it restored. Immediately I thought to myself, “What a bigoted ad! They are implying that black people can’t pay their phone bill!” This was my conclusion because misinformation about minority groups is prevalent in our society. A few days later, driving through a predominantly white area of town I saw the very same ad. Only this ad featured an attractive white female. Everything else about the ad was the same. It became obvious that the difference in ads was because of the different communities the ads were in, not because of bigotry. I was a hammer and I was seeing everything as a nail. Upon further investigation, I found that things were not as they appeared on the surface. The biggest problem is how we view the problem.
SOME QUESTIONS
This brings us to some questions about the current definition of racism being used by many. Please keep in mind that these are not rhetorical questions. They are not being asked simply to make a point. The questions are sincere and feedback is invited. The current definition of racism that is being discussed is: racism equals prejudice plus power. In other words, only white people can be racist since only white people are in power. The questions are as follows:
1) Is it true that all white people are in power?
Some believe that because all people in power are white, therefore all white people have power. The error of this thinking is illustrated with the following syllogism: All cows are animals therefore all animals are cows. The first statement is true but does not logically support the second statement. In the same way we cannot say: All people with power are white therefore all whites have power. The first statement is true but that alone does not support the second statement. It may appear on the surface that every white person in America has power over non-whites. But is there documented evidence to bear this out?
Those with power in America are those with political and financial affluence. This represents a small number of people. The “institutions of power” mentioned above, only represent a small number of positions. There are only so many lawmakers, so many bankers, so many police and judges, etc. These institutional positions are only a few when compared with the total population. It should be noted that a growing number of these positions are held by non-whites (mayors, congressmen, police, judges, etc). This is encouraging. We need even more people of color in these positions in order to reflect the true diversity of America and help insure equality for all.
The question is, do most whites have positions of power over people of color? In America there are more white families in poverty than black families. There are more white single mothers on welfare than black single mothers. Does a white single mother on welfare really have power over the life of a black single mother on welfare? If so, how? Do either of them make or enforce laws? Is a white welfare recipient in a position to enforce power over others? If so, how? How much control does the average white person really have over people of color? Most Americans, whether black or white, do not hold significant positions of true power over the lives of others.
But one could argue that the white woman on welfare still has more opportunities for advancement than a woman of color on welfare. Many times this is true, but if the white woman works to advance and is successful, does that mean racism is at work? Did racial prejudice have to be enforced in order for her to advance? Or does it simply mean the system worked for her the way it should work for all people?
Positions of real power are held by an elite class of people in America: the affluent. Those elected to public office are either wealthy or they are heavily funded and influenced by the wealthy. Laws and policies are passed because of the influence of big businesses, corporations and other affluent lobbyists. People with political and financial clout are the ones that have power in America. The trial of O. J. Simpson is a telling example. Regardless of race, anyone with fame and money can exert that power for their own benefit. If we limit racism to only those in power, then most Americans, even whites, cannot be racist. The problem is much broader than that.
2) Do all white people in power use that power to discriminate racially?
One of the driving forces behind prejudice is stereotyping. It is not logical to say that a white person is a racist simply because he has power. This is like saying a black man is violent simply because he is disenfranchised. They are both false stereotypes. Neither is supported by logic or evidence. Many whites have oppressed other ethnic groups while other whites have not. There is simply no evidence to show that all of those in power carry out racial prejudice. It may appear this way on the surface but there is historical evidence to the contrary. The work of white abolitionists during slavery, the involvement of whites in the civil rights movement, and the passage of the Civil Rights Act by congress are only a few examples. We cannot overlook the evil perpetuated by some of European ancestry. Neither can we lump them all in the same category and falsely stereotype. This, is itself prejudicial.
3) Since most in power are white, does that mean that most other whites receive unearned privileges?
The assumption is that all white people are advantaged since they have the same skin color as those in power. This does not take into consideration the competition that takes place even among the majority class (whites). According to the U.S. Census Bureau whites make up 73% of the U.S. population.[1] Therefore there are more whites competing with each other than whites against non-whites. When two white people apply for the same job, only one person will get it. The one who was rejected gained nothing because of his white skin. Racism comes into play when people of color are not allowed to compete in the first place. Or if they are allowed, the odds are stacked against them. These are examples of what happens when racism occurs. Denying the rights of the minority does not equal privileges for the majority. The majority still has to earn what they have.
We must be careful to distinguish between a right and a privilege. A privilege is something that is undeserved. It is given regardless of one’s merit. It can also be taken away in the same way. If a privilege is earned, it ceases to be a privilege and becomes a right. For example, some might say that whites are privileged because they have better jobs, can afford better housing, or get approved for loans more readily than non-whites. This does not take into consideration the effort that had to be put into obtaining these things. No person can walk into a bank and get a loan based upon their white skin. There are credit checks, history inquiries, applications, fees and a host of other requirements that must be met. The loan must be earned. It is then a right, not a privilege. The same is true of jobs, entrance into college, etc..
Of course people of color have not had the same opportunity to earn those rights. That is where racism has been so damning. It does not mean the majority group is privileged. It means that the minority group has been denied their rights. This is an important distinction. Again, all cows are animals but not all animals are cows. A distinction must be made between a denied right and an unearned privilege. This may seem like a meaningless distinction but it is not. It has implications for how the problem must be solved. If one group has undeserved privileges then it is logical to take those away. But what if they’ve rightfully earned some of those things? Shall we rob the rich to give to the poor? Shall we deny the majority their rights in order to help the minority? If so, racial hostility is here to stay. Or shall we instead seek to bridge both groups to make sure all have equal opportunity, equal access and equal justice? We cannot deny the evil effects of racism. But trying to quickly redistribute power is unrealistic and produces unnecessary backlash. In the long term this is only detrimental to race relations. Although there is more time and work involved, wouldn’t bridging cultures be a better long-term solution? It would seem that healthy relationships between cultures is necessary for any sustained measure of justice and equality.
4) Have most whites benefitted from racism?
The “prejudice + power” school of thought says that by virtue of having white skin, people have automatically received unfair advantages. In other words, because minorities have been oppressed, that automatically means all whites have benefited from it. Now it is clear that some whites have benefited from racial oppression. It is a logical possibility that slave owners and traffickers passed down their wealth to their offspring even to today. Furthermore, discrimination in education and the job market has undoubtedly caused some whites to be chosen over people of color. That cannot be denied. Moreover, whites have never had the sociological and psychological effects of oppression such as low self-esteem, hopelessness, lack of motivation, rage and self-hate.
But is it true that all or even most white people in America have benefited from racism? If so how? Most whites in history never owned slaves or even lived in states that benefitted from slavery. Some say the economic prosperity of America today is somehow tied to historic racism. Besides the difficulty in supporting this factually, it also neglects the fact that all Americans benefit from today’s economy. American “poor” are among the most prosperous in the world. Non-whites make up roughly 27% of the population (African-Americans = 12.6%).[2] How has historic racism exclusively benefitted whites only?
A side note is that non-African minorities (Asians, Latinos, and Middle Easterners) make up the majority of non-white Americans. According to the U.S. Census Bureau they are no less than 14% of the total population, whereas African-Americans make up around 12.6%. It is important to note that most of these non-African ethnic groups did not enter the U.S. in large numbers until the last 40-50 years so historic discrimination against them would be impossible.
If it is true that whites have benefitted from historic racism, then their will obviously be wealth handed down from generation to the next. We can test the validity of this by examining the wealthy class in America today. How many of them received financial help, inheritance or a business that was passed to them from family or friends? How many of America’s wealthy started with little and made fortunes? Authors Thomas Stanley and William Danko shed interesting light on this question in The Millionaire Next Door. Regarding U.S. millionaires:
* Only 19 percent receive any income or wealth of any kind from a trust fund or an estate.
* Fewer than 20 percent inherited 10 percent or more of their wealth.
* More than half never received as much as $1 in inheritance.
* Fewer than 25 percent ever received “an act of kindness” of $10,000 or more from their parents, grandparents, or other relatives.
* Ninety-one percent never received, as a gift, as much as $1 of the ownership of a family business.
* Nearly half never received any college tuition from their parents or other relatives.
* Fewer than 10 percent believe they will ever receive an inheritance in the future.
The authors elaborate:
In America, the achievements of the current generation are more a factor in explaining wealth accumulation than what has taken place in the past. Again, most American millionaires today (about 80 percent) are first-generation rich. Typically, the fortunes built by these people will be completely dissipated by the second or third generation. The American economy is a fluid one. There are many people today who are on their way to becoming wealthy. And there are many others who are spending their way out of the affluent category.[3]
The idea that whites benefit or have benefitted from racism is based upon three notions. First, there is the notion that equal opportunity always means equal outcome. By equal outcome we mean that all races will be equally represented in jobs, income, and positions of power. The assumption is that if all groups have equal opportunity, then inevitably they will all be equally represented in positions of power. According to this idea, if there is not equal outcome then the only explanation is racism. The reason whites have so much power is all because of racism, so says this notion. This view is obviously suspect in that it does not consider any factors other than race to explain disparities among groups.
This brings up another question. How are we measuring racism? What indicators are we using to tell how widespread it is? Many only look at the disparity among whites and non-whites and immediately conclude that racism is the main reason. But could there be other reasons as well? What other data and evidence have been considered? Does equal opportunity always means equal outcome? This strikes at the heart of the matter. Many involved in civil rights only look at results-based evidence. They start with the preconceived assumption that racism is the root of all disparity. Then they document the disparity believing this proves their assumption. This is begging the question or arguing in a circle. For a truly scientific conclusion, a thorough examination of all social phenomenon is required, such as cultural distinctions, and differences in language and thought patterns.[4] It does not logically follow that racism is the only phenomenon that has caused disparity.
A second reason people believe all whites benefit from racism is the win/lose mentality. This says that for one person to win, another person has to lose. So if one person has lost, then his opponent has automatically won. This is also described as the scarcity mentality by best-selling author Stephen R. Covey. “Most people are deeply scripted in what I call the Scarcity Mentality. They see life as having only so much, as though there were only one pie out there. And if someone were to get a big piece of the pie, it would mean less for everybody else.”[5] This is in contrast to the win/win mentality which says there is enough out there for everyone. When parents have a second child, they don’t take food from the first child in order to feed the second. They get enough food for both. A perfect example of the scarcity mentality can be seen in education by what is known as grading on the curve. This is a pre-set notion that there can only be a limited number of “A” students. Instead of letting each student’s work speak for itself, only a few are able to win a good grade since there is a limited number of A’s to go around. The fact that this is used by institutions of higher education shows how deeply scripted our society is in the scarcity mentality.
Some might argue that current world population justifies the scarcity mentality. Over-population may well be a valid concern today. But this has only been an issue during the current generation. Over-population has never been a global problem historically, especially in the United States. Yet historically the scarcity mentality has shaped the way we look at disparity among groups.
A third reason people believe all whites benefit from racism is the notion that oppressors always benefit from oppressing others. Again, this does not logically follow. One reason is the fact that oppressors rob themselves by subverting the richness and strength of diversity. It was the blending of Greek and Roman cultures that created an ancient world power. Multi-culture is stronger than mono-culture because it blends the strengths of various cultures.
Also attached to this third notion is the idea that each member of the oppressing group is privileged whether they themselves act out oppression or not. Again we return to the illogical syllogism: All cows are animals therefore all animals are cows. In the same way we cannot say: All people benefiting from racism are white therefore all whites benefit from racism. The first statement is true but that alone does not support the second statement.
5) Has emphasis on power overshadowed personal responsibility and other requirements for acheivement?
History demonstrates the requirements for “success” are universal. In any culture, in any time period, responsibility, ethics, hard work and discipline produce achievement. These values have stood the test of time. They are not a white, European thing. They are much older than that. To uphold a standard of excellence is not judging someone by “white” values. If a white person is lazy, irresponsible, undisciplined and rebellious, his skin color won’t get him very far. This is reflected by white people who end up in prison or otherwise “unsuccessful”. One could argue that a lazy, irresponsible white person will have a better chance than a black person with the same faults. This is often true because racism has denied black people their rights. This doesn’t mean white skin makes achievement easy or that whites don’t have to work hard in order to succeed.
It is wrong to assume that a white person is in power because of his skin color. Race alone does not bring affluence and “power”. Racism is an undeniable horror in our society that must be addressed. But much also needs to be said about personal values and responsibility. Listen to the remarks of Louis Farrakhan:
“[I]f you look at the Asians, the Asians have the fastest growing economies in the world. The Asians are not saying, [sic] bashing white people. You don’t find the Asians saying the white man is this, the white man is that, the white man is the other.
“He don’t [sic] talk like that. You know what he does? He just relocates the top banks from Wall Streets to Tokyo. He don’t say, ‘I’m better than the white man.’ He just starts building his world and building his economy and challenging white supremacy.…
“They don’t have to say to white people, ‘I’m better than you.’ They just do their thing. And white folk have to readjust their thinking.…
“Black man, you don’t have to bash white people, all we gotta [sic] do is go back home and turn our communities into productive places. All we gotta do is go back home and make our communities a decent and safe place to live. And if we start dotting the Black community with businesses, opening up factories, challenging ourselves to be better than we are, White folk, instead of driving by, using the ‘N’ word, they’ll say, ‘look, look at them. Oh, my God. They’re marvelous. They’re wonderful. We can’t, we can’t say they’re inferior anymore.’ But, every time we drive by shoot, every time we carjack, every time we use foul, filthy language, every time we produce culturally degenerate films and tapes, putting a string in our women’s backside and parading them before the world, every time we do things like this we are feeding the degenerate mind of white supremacy and I want us to stop feeding that mind and let that mind die a natural death.…
“Clean up, Black man, and the world will respect and honor you.”[6]
While this is certainly no endorsement of Farrakhan, his comments here are noteworthy. Continually blaming those in power neglects elements such as responsibility and self-help, thereby creating a false dependency on others. Racism is not the sole cause of white success. Neither is it the sole cause of suffering for others.
Now it must be repeated that racism has caused a great disparity among blacks and whites. People of color have been denied opportunity because of race. We are not denying the “power” aspect of racism. It has caused at least a portion of the disparity. But for that to become our focus neglects deeper human issues that lie closer to the root of the problem.
6) Is power the main problem?
Every major world power has abused its power throughout history. Study the Egyptians, Assyrians, Babylonians, Medes, Persians, Greeks, Romans and Europeans. Those in power have always used it against others. This reflects the true condition of the human heart. Since the beginning of recorded history someone has exerted power over another. There has never been a time when power belonged to everyone equally. There will always be people in power over others. This in itself is not a bad thing. In order for human civilization to exist, there must be a controlling influence which governs, administrates and sets civil order. Anything less is barbarism. There must be a governing power in order for a civilized society to exist. The problem is when those in power use that power unjustly.
Which brings us to the question, is power the main problem? Lets suppose, as some are saying, that the problem is prejudice plus power. In other words, the problem is that whites have power and other groups don’t. One answer might be to balance out the power equally. But how do you do this fairly? Well how about dividing up power based upon the total population of each ethnic group?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, whites (non-Hispanic) make up about 73% of the U.S. population. African-Americans make up just under 13%, Hispanics make up 10%, Asian Americans almost 4%, and American Indians less than 1%.[7] Let’s suppose there was a fail-proof way to guarantee the positions of power would be 73% white, 13% black, 10% Hispanic, etc.. Very quickly you realize that there is still one dominant group. Even if there were some fail-proof way of doing this, which itself seems unrealistic, the fact is there would still be an imbalance of power. There always will be. Does that mean we shouldn’t address issues of power, racism and disparity? Not at all. These issues need to be addressed reasonably and justly for all.
On the other hand, what if we focused on racial prejudice? Racial prejudice may be more illusive but that does not mean it is impossible to deal with. If we effectively deal with prejudice it would not matter who is in power. You see, the problem is not who has the power, the problem is the prejudice of those in power. That is what must be addressed. We cannot de-personalize racism by saying it is merely institutional or that it is simply built into the system. Institutions and systems are built and maintained by persons. The problem is not the system, it is people. We human beings are the problem because of what is in our hearts. This is true whether we carry out our evil desires or not.
In his wisdom, Jesus Christ pointed out that an evil desire in the heart is just as wrong as actively carrying it out.
“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. “…You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.’” (Matthew 5:21-22, 27-28 NIV)
In his book, Breaking Down Walls, African-American pastor Raleigh Washington comments:
“…a popular sociological definition of racism states that one can only be racist if that person is in a position of power, and uses that power to take advantage of another race of people. I call that racial oppression, which indeed is an evil expression of racism, but is not the sum total of racism. Just as the sin of adultery or murder begins in the heart—even if it is never acted out—racism, too, begins in the heart, even though we may not have the social power to act on it by oppressing those we hate.”[8]
As history indicates, it isn’t just a white problem or a black, brown, yellow, or red problem. Its a human problem. Those in power have always exerted their prejudices, regardless of their race or nationality. Social power is necessary; racial prejudice is not. That is why power is not the problem. It is the prejudice of the human heart. Laws and social programs serve a good purpose. We need them. But we will never eradicate racial injustice through laws, government intervention or social programs as good as they are. What must be dealt with is the heart and mind of the individual. Racial prejudice in the heart is the oxygen that sustains racism in society. If you help people overcome prejudice, racism will dissipate and die out.
A daunting task? Perhaps. But is it as unrealistic as current methods which seek to redistribute power based on skin color? Can we create a society where race doesn’t matter while still using policies where race does matter? Dismantling racial prejudice is not as impossible as some say it is. Let us not forget the example of William Wilberforce, the great British abolitionist and member of Parliament. When he began his crusade to abolish slavery 200 years ago, his task could not have been more daunting. England’s economy was heavily dependent upon the slave trade. For 20 years he was voted down every year in Parliament. Yet in 1807 slavery was abolished in England, 50 years after Wilberforce began his crusade.[9]
There is still much work to do, but Americans have made some progress over the last 35 years. In the 1960’s, African-Americans were not allowed to use the same restroom as whites in the south, much less attend the same schools or get the same jobs. Although we have a long way to go, things are changing. They are not yet changing as quickly or to the extent they should and that is why we must continue to work hard. Can we afford to give up on equal opportunity and justice for all?
These are some of my questions. What do you think?
ENDNOTES
[1] U.S. Bureau of the Census, Statistical Abstract of the United States: 1996 (Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1996), 14. Henceforth referred to as Statistical Abstract.
[2] Ibid., 14.
[3] Stanley, Thomas and Danko, William, The Millionaire Next Door: Surprising Secrets of America’s Wealthy (Pocket Books- Simon & Schuster Inc., 1996), Chapter One.
[4] Thernstrom, Abigal and Stephan, America In Black and White (Touchstone-Simon & Schuster, 1997), 534. This landmark work by the Winthrop Professor of History at Harvard and his wife, herself a published scholar, is a 704 page volume of research, data, and statistics on the progress of black-white relations and the gains of African-Americans since desegregation.
[5] Covey, Stephen R., Seven Habits Of Highly Effective People (Simon & Schuster, 1989), 219. Most of the points in this paragraph come from Covey.
[6]Taken from the transcript of Minister Louis Farrakhan’s remarks at the Million Man March, Washington D.C., October 16, 1995. It can be found in the archives at http://cnn.com.
[7] Statistical Abstract, 14.
[8] Washington & Kehrein, Breaking Down Walls: A Model for Reconciliation in an Age of Racial Strife (Moody Press, 1993), 225. See also pp. 203-204.
[9] Compton’s Interactive Encyclopedia 1998 Edition, Wilberforce, William
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