What Racism Is NOT!

*Sigh*

Dear People,

The fact that most of us choose to associate with our own (if given a chance) is not racism. Saying that HBCUs are 'still needed and relevant today’ is not racism. Affirmative action is not racism. Choosing to make music to celebrate ourselves (ex. Indie Arie’s ‘Brown Skin’ or Beyoncé’s ‘Brown Skin Girl’) is not racism. Us talking about how unseasoned lots of your food is isn’t racism. Rejecting Zionism is not racism.

When an African/Black person:

…mentions your race (or lack thereof)? It’s not racism.

…mentions that they only date within their race? It’s not racism.

…says that you can’t dance? It’s not racism.

…says that you are not good at a sports? It’s not racism.

…tells you to stop culturally appropriating? It’s not racism.

…vocalizes (some well-deserved) distrust your intentions in any given circumstance? It’s not racism.

…analyzes their oppressors aloud and voices their qualms with that behavior? It’s not racism.

…calls you a ‘racist’? It is not racism.

Racism is NOT (just) discrimination.

Racism is NOT (just) prejudice either.

Furthermore:

Racism is NOT ageism.

Racism is NOT ableism.

Racism is NOT religious persecution.

Racism is NOT bullying.

Racism is NOT body-shaming.

Racism is NOT antisemitism.

Racism is NOT classism.

Racism is NOT homophobia.

Racism is NOT xenophobia.

Racism is NOT sexism.

Self-hate, developed under the antagonistic system of white supremacy is NOT racism (it’s a detrimental coping mechanism). STOP conflating these other forms and symptoms of other social oppression systems with racism so that you can censor victims and shirk responsibility.

So…what IS ‘racism’?

Thank you for asking.

RACISM IS A DISCRIMINATION, PREJUDICE, AND ANTAGONISM SYSTEM PRACTICED BY ONE RACE (THAT CAN EXECUTE THOSE BEHAVIORS ON A MACRO SCALE IN SOCIETY) AGAINST ANOTHER RACE. RACISM IS A RACE-BASED, POWER-BASED OPPRESSION SYSTEM THAT FLOWS IN ONE DIRECTION FROM THE OPPRESSORS (SUBJUGATING RACE(S)) TO THE OPPRESSED (SUBJUGATED RACE(S)). IT IS BEST IDENTIFIED AND UNDERSTOOD WHEN IT IS CONTEXTUALIZED WITHIN PROPER GEOGRAPHICAL AND HISTORICAL FRAMEWORKS.

Finally, 'I dream of one day' when you will STOP quoting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. out-of-context to rationalize or justify your dysconsciousness. It’s revolting.

And unseasoned.

Hope that helps.

Sincerely,

-Esohe