The lie that invented racism | John Biewen

What is Up with Us White People?

Introduction to the Question of Whiteness

• The speaker reflects on the question, "What is up with us white people?" acknowledging that this inquiry has been posed by people of color for centuries.

• The focus is on a broader issue concerning all white individuals, not just those who are overtly racist or associated with hate groups.

Personal Background and Historical Context

• The speaker identifies as a self-described progressive, raised in an environment where racism was openly discussed and condemned.

• They highlight their parents' support for Martin Luther King Jr. during the civil rights movement, contrasting it with the general public's lukewarm approval at that time.

Early Impressions of Racism

• Despite being taught that racism is wrong, the speaker grew up in a predominantly white area, leading to a disconnect between their upbringing and the realities of racism.

• The speaker expresses confusion about why racism persists despite its clear immorality and acknowledges a lack of understanding regarding its roots.

Media Representation and Racial Issues

• The discussion shifts to how media typically portrays racial issues by focusing on communities of color rather than examining whiteness itself.

• Key events such as Trayvon Martin's death and police shootings have prompted deeper reflections on systemic racism within American society.

Understanding Whiteness

• The rise of Donald Trump highlighted troubling aspects of white identity politics among many Americans, prompting the speaker to consider whiteness as a significant topic for exploration.

• There’s an acknowledgment that while critiques of white supremacy exist from scholars and intellectuals, there has been little journalism focused specifically on whiteness.

Origins and Nature of Race

• The speaker questions the origins of racial identity, noting scientific consensus that all humans share common ancestry regardless of skin color.

• They argue that race is a relatively recent social construct rather than an inherent characteristic, challenging common assumptions about historical divisions based on physical differences.

Understanding the Origins of Racism and Its Implications

The Perception of "Barbarism" in Ancient Cultures

• Ancient Greeks viewed other cultures, such as Ethiopians, Persians, and Celts, as barbaric compared to their own civilization.

• The term "slave" originates from "Slav," highlighting that slavery was not initially based on race but rather on cultural differences.

The First Articulation of Racist Ideas

• Historian Ibram Kendi identifies Gomes de Zurara as the first to articulate racist ideas in his 1450s writings.

• Zurara described all Africans as a distinct group, labeling them inferior and beastly despite Africa's sophisticated cultures at the time.

Economic Motivations Behind Racism

• Zurara's claims served economic interests; he was commissioned by the Portuguese king during the rise of the Atlantic slave trade.

• This narrative justified the enslavement of Africans by portraying them as inferior, aiding in legitimizing human trafficking for profit.

The Construction of Racial Identities

• Kendi argues that Zurara invented concepts of blackness and whiteness through his descriptions, which were adopted by other European nations.

• Racism is framed not merely as a misunderstanding but as a deliberate lie used to justify exploitation.

Modern Implications of Historical Racism

• In colonial America, laws were established that stripped rights from Black individuals while providing benefits to poor white people.

• Understanding this history shifts perspectives on racism today; it reveals that race is a constructed story used for exploitation rather than biological reality.

The Role of Whiteness in Sustaining Systems of Power

• Racism functions primarily as a tool for division within society, supporting systems that advantage some while disadvantaging others.

• Recognizing racism's origins helps explain its persistence; it remains an effective tool for maintaining social stratification.

A Call to Action Against Systemic Racism

• It is crucial for white individuals to acknowledge their role in perpetuating racial systems and take responsibility for dismantling these structures.

• There are no sidelines in the fight against racism; everyone is implicated and must engage actively in addressing systemic inequalities.

Understanding Complicity and Responsibility

The Nature of Complicity

• The speaker acknowledges their complicity in systemic issues, emphasizing that this recognition is not rooted in shame or guilt but rather a sense of responsibility to act.

• They assert that feelings of white guilt are unproductive; instead, they focus on the importance of taking action to address historical injustices.

Reflecting on Personal Impact

• The speaker questions what it means for individuals to engage with issues like reparations and support transformative efforts within their communities.

• They highlight the necessity of identifying and supporting those who work towards dismantling unjust institutions.

Active Participation in Equity Efforts

• The speaker reflects on their role in workplace diversity meetings, questioning whether they participate begrudgingly or actively seek to be an ally to colleagues of color.

• Emphasizing humility and vulnerability, they advocate for a conscious effort to relinquish unearned power when engaging with these discussions.