Some black Americans love to rail about white privilege and the systemic racism that they claim permeates America even now. They are busy promoting Critical Race Theory in our schools, removing historical statues, and working to rewrite our national story through the lens of irredeemable racism. To the most radical, rejecting any of their initiatives is all the proof needed to confirm how racist you are, whether you are aware of it or not.
For decades, America has worked to integrate communities and the workplace, and silently endured the racist attacks in hopes that all would gradually appreciate the progress made.
Yes, it is true that there are racist whites, and there are racist blacks who have committed hate crimes. Even though few in number, no matter what the race of perpetrator, racism of any kind should be condemned by all responsible citizens. The L.A. County Human Relation's Commission's annual Hate Crime Report for 2021 reports a significant increase in hate crimes. In 2020, there were fewer hate crimes against whites reported (50) than blacks (169). But between 2016 and 2020, the report notes that the average rates of violence against whites (67%) and blacks (65%) were very close. Hate isn't limited to any one race, and the numbers are not as large as the race baiters would have us believe.
Far too many blacks want to put the sole focus on white racism. In a way, claiming victimhood status seems to bring with it a "black privilege." Blacks can make blatantly racist comments about whites without cost or condemnation. The media gives them platforms to express their hateful words, and they never even have to apologize.
You don't have to look far to find examples. Rep. Keith Ellison, congressman from Minnesota and Democratic National Committee deputy chairman, is known for his extreme comments: "You hear Republicans say, 'We're the party of Lincoln.' He wouldn't recognize these people. The fact is that the Republican Party today is the party of racism. Now I'm not saying every Republican is a racist, but I'm saying their party does hold that up. ... It is the Republican Party in 2017 that says, 'wall them off, ban them out, no transgender in the military.' If it's mean, if it's racist, if it's greedy, it's coming from them."
Even in the sports world, ESPN and HBO personality Bomani Jones recently blamed white people for the firing of the Dolphins' Coach Flores: "I just don't know why people try to make this far more complex than it is. What's
the problem? White people. Who are the ones that are making these decisions? White people. Who are the ones that won't change their decision making? White people. Who are the ones that only do anything in a different way when it comes these matters at the threat of litigation? White people."
These accusations have no facts to back them up. Now, if you want to find racist quotations by whites against blacks, a search will show plenty. Maybe such racist statements and video clips make for prime-time fodder for
partisan talk shows, but it is not the real America.
But let's be honest, the vast majority of all Americans reject such comments. Is it not time for us to once again focus on where we want to be instead of dwelling on a racist past we want to leave behind? There is too much good to build on to let the race baiters have their way.
Racism and special privilege are wrong no matter what the race. America was founded on the affirmation of equal rights for all. We have never fully lived up to that promise, but to deny we have not made progress is a
perpetuate a divisive lie. The few racists that do exist are routinely criticized by responsible blacks and whites alike.
America fought a war to end slavery, and we must continue the work of living out our cherished values. We can't let race baiters of any race stop us from continuing to make progress in living into our hard-fought ideals. Let's
stop the blaming and the name calling. Let us all work to judge others by their character and how they treat their fellow man, not the color of their skin. May we never forget to cherish the shared privilege of living in this great country were freedom and opportunity still reign supreme for all the citizens willing to live out their own pursuit of happiness.
Terry Paulson is PhD psychologist, author, and professional speaker on Earned Optimism, Making Change Work, Claiming Your American Dream, and Becoming a Conservative Values Voter.