The Automatik

I just read this post from Holly at Feministe.us—Sixteen Maneuvers to Avoid Really Dealing With Racism.

Image from Slow But Steady

I’m reposting it in its entirety because it’s so good. I suggest also reading the comments.

Holly herself comments on it about halfway through. What she says should actually be read before anything else because it’s so integral to the discussion:

If you think this is about individuals being racist, you’re still missing the point and not reading closely enough. Part of the idea is that the focus on individuals as racists is a dangerous distraction from the real systemic problem of racism. Racism is a system, larger than any individual; it’s not one person getting wet, it’s an ocean. So yes, discussions of “OMG — am I racist or not?” are in fact, meaningless.

One of the commenters, Doug, posted this great bit of insight:

Also, its important to note that the one common element in each of those items is that they are said by privileged people who are trying to retain their privileged position. Even the ones that admit “fault” are phrased in such a way as to retain the special status of the speaker. Being privileged does not automatically make you a bad person, but it does require self awareness. When you discuss racial issues, ask yourself “why am I saying this? How would this sound to someone without my privilege?”

Holly’s list—and the comments—cover a lot of ground, both negative and positive. I sort of wish I could carry this around with me at all times so that whenever these issues (i.e., white privilege and racism) come up, I could just whip it out of my pocket as a reference guide. (Actually, that’s not a bad idea the more I think about it.)

I say that because it can be very exhausting to say the same things over and over in discussions about racism and privilege and if people would do just a modicum of reading before they open their mouths, they would be much less likely to be subjected to the taste of their feet.

Let me state that I am a white person and over my lifetime, I have used every one of these excuses. The one I am most guilty of falling back on these days is “The Bending Over Backwards.” Just admitting it and typing it doesn’t make it okay, but I need to come clean. I’m no less racist than any other white person because I know that I’ve benefited—and continue to benefit—from the long, entrenched history of the white power structure.

I try to question my privilege and my racism. Often I fail, and then I try again. I’m sure I’ll fail again. But I will still try.

Sixteen Maneuvers to Avoid Really Dealing With Racism

The Bootstrap Myth
“Racism is a thing of the past. . . this is a free country, and anyone who works hard can make it in America.”

The Backtrack
“Hey, wait a second, that’s not what I meant. . . I mean. . . you took my words out of context, don’t make it try to sound like I’m racist!”

The Remove the Right To Be Angry
“You’re too sensitive. . .if you weren’t so aggressive, vocal, hostile, angry, or upset, people would listen to you and you wouldn’t get in trouble!”

The Utopian Eye-Gouger
“I’m colorblind, personally. . .why can’t we all just ignore race, it’s not like it’s even real. . . it’s not like I tangibly benefit from being white every day or anything! Can’t we all just get along?”

Turning the Tables
“You’re being just as racist against white people, you realize. You’re being racist against me right now, you reverse-racist hypocrites!”

The Good White Person (not like those obvious racists!)
“Whoa, that guy over there is SUCH a racist, unlike me. . . I know exactly the right things to say and I’m never racist. By which I mean overtly offensive about it. Hold on, I think I’m going to go spit on that guy. I hate him.”

The Unblemished Family History
“Hey, my family never owned slaves, so it’s not like I, as an individual, get any benefit from racism!”

The Bending Over Backwards (makes you look flexible, but accomplishes little else)
“You people of color are so right. I agree with everything you say. Because you’re right, of course. . .not just because I’m guilty and white and wrong!”

The Personal Justification
“But a black person, Mexican, mean old Asian lady, or Native American once cut in front of me in line, said something stupid, mugged me, or took my hubcaps! So as far as I’m concerned, they proved all of my prejudices!”

The Loophole of Escape
“I can’t possibly be a bigot or a racist. . .I’m part of the oppressed due to the fact that I’m a woman!” (or gay, poor, young, trans, etc.)

The Culture Appropriator
“Damn, bro! You know I’m down with the homies, I ain’t no wack racist cracker, shiznit.”

The Lean On You When I’m Not Strong
“Teach me, help me. I’m just a white person, so I need your wisdom as a person of color to show me how not to be racist. Wait, is what I said earlier racist? How about this shirt I’m wearing? Can you come with me to this party, so they know I’m not a racist?”

The Pause for Applause
“Unlike all those other white people out there, I’m an anti-racist.” (. . .) “I do anti-racist work and I try to educate other people about anti-racism.” (. . .) “Wait, did you hear me?”

The Smoke and Mirrors
“I totally agree. Racism is one system of oppression among many interlocking ones, that specifically awards more privilege and power to all white people, whether they like it or not, and serves to keep the existing power structure in place. Oh… what? You want me to volunteer in a community organization, contribute money, do security for your protest march? Uh. . .yeah maybe next time, I’ve got to wash my hair tonight. And walk my dog, see the latest episode of Lost, manage my stock portfolio. . .”

The Penitent Paralysis (will not truly absolve you)
“Oh my god. . .that is so awful. I’m so sorry. Sorry. I can’t imagine what it must be like. . . I’m sorry. That’s so awful. I feel so bad for you. Sorry.”

Whipping Out Your Best Friends
“Hey, I’m not a racist, OK? Some of my best friends are black. See?”
Best Friend: “Yeah, I’ve known him since we were kids, and he’s never said anything racist to me!”

And then she added this one in the comments:
Throwing Up Your Hands
“What do you mean I’m part of a racist system no matter how I try to distance myself from it or prove that I think differently?! That’s ridiculous. . . I guess I might as well give up and join the Aryan Nation!”

. . .and one bonus one for all your folks of color out there.

It Doesn’t Matter What Comes Out of My Mouth, Just Look at My Skin
“What? I can’t possibly be racist. I AM a person of color. How can I be racist against myself, huh? No, I haven’t heard of internalized racism, and I still think affirmative action is reverse racism!”