Racism in America: A Real or Manufactured Problem
Unmasking Systemic Racism: The Ongoing Battle for Racial Equity
As a DEI Thought Leader and an African American, I stand at the intersection of personal experience and a deep commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable society.
I want you to watch the lecture by Tom Klingenstein, Chair of the Claremont Institue who believes that we are in a cold civil war and that our enemy — the enemy he calls the “Woke regime” — are winning, in large measure because Republican Leaders have yet to engage. Thomas Klingenstein has become one of the largest donors to the party and has increasingly used his resources to pursue a hard-edged version of rightwing politics.
Thomas Klingenstein has become one of the largest donors to the party and has increasingly used his resources to pursue a hard-edged version of rightwing politics.
The Claremont Institute is not a conventional think tank — comparatively small, its main outlets consist of two politics-and-ideas publications and several fellowship programs, including Publius and Lincoln, that have attracted rising stars on the right. Yet Claremont’s reach is extensive: Claremont scholars have collaborated with Ron DeSantis and helped shape the views of Clarence Thomas, Tom Cotton and the conservative activist Christopher Rufo, and the institute received the National Humanities Medal from President Trump in 2019. When Trump failed to win re-election, some Claremonters accused Democrats of using the pandemic to unconstitutionally change election laws to benefit themselves, and in “The Fight Is Now,” they called for “swarms of lawyers” to push for “transparency in all the Democratic city machines now churning out votes for Biden.” One lawyer who can be said to have taken up the challenge was John Eastman, a senior fellow at the institute for 30 years and the founder and director of Claremont’s Center for Constitutional Jurisprudence.
His essays, speeches and plays all encourage Republicans to do just that — to think, talk, and act as if we are at war. Among his essays are: “Preserving the American Way of Life”, Fighting the Mob”, “Winning the Cold Civil War”, “Men and the Future of America”, and many others. His work has been published at the Claremont Review of Books, Newsweek, American Mind, American Greatness, and Real Clear Politics. (Source NYT)
It is with this perspective that I address his presentation that claims racism in America is largely a manufactured problem and challenge the notion that systemic racism does not exist.
Historical Context:
To deny the existence of systemic racism in America is to ignore the rich tapestry of our history. Yes, we have made strides in the fight against racial discrimination, from the Civil Rights Movement to landmark legislation. However, we must acknowledge that these achievements do not erase the enduring impact of centuries of racial oppression.
Data and Statistics:
Statistics paint a stark picture of the racial disparities that persist in our society. African Americans continue to face disparities in education, employment, criminal justice, and healthcare. For instance, the school-to-prison pipeline disproportionately affects Black students, and the racial wealth gap remains a yawning chasm.
Systemic Racism:
Systemic racism is not a fabricated concept; it is a harsh reality ingrained in the very fabric of our institutions and society. Redlining, discriminatory lending practices, and mass incarceration are just a few examples of systemic racism that have endured for generations, leading to lasting disadvantages for African Americans and other marginalized communities.
Discrimination and Bias:
Implicit bias is an insidious force that permeates our daily lives. It affects housing decisions, hiring practices, and interactions with law enforcement. To deny the existence of these biases is to disregard the lived experiences of countless individuals who have faced discrimination based on the color of their skin.
Social and Economic Consequences:
The consequences of racial inequality are far-reaching. Limited access to quality education and healthcare perpetuates cycles of disadvantage. Wealth disparities persist, as Black households continue to lag behind in wealth accumulation. These social and economic disparities have real and lasting impacts on individuals and communities.
Calls for Reform:
The calls for reform and change come from a place of necessity, not convenience. Civil rights activists and advocates have long championed the cause of equity and justice. Their efforts have led to positive changes, but our work is far from done. We must build upon their legacy and continue to push for systemic reforms.
Responsibility:
Addressing systemic racism is a collective responsibility. It is not a burden to bear for one community alone. Embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion benefits society as a whole, leading to a stronger, more harmonious nation.
Proposals for Change:
Concrete proposals for change are essential. We must advocate for police reform, criminal justice reform, equitable educational opportunities, and economic empowerment initiatives in marginalized communities. These steps are not about handouts but about dismantling the barriers that have persisted for far too long.
Diversity and Inclusion:
Diversity and inclusion are not mere buzzwords; they are essential components of a just society. Embracing diversity leads to innovation and progress. It enriches our culture and promotes a sense of belonging for all.
Encourage Dialogue:
Finally, we must encourage open and respectful dialogue on issues of race and inequality. Constructive conversations can bridge divides, dispel misconceptions, and pave the way for lasting change.
In conclusion, the battle against systemic racism is not a manufactured problem; it is an ongoing struggle for justice and equality.
As a DEI Thought Leader and an African American, I am committed to pushing for change and advocating for a more inclusive and equitable society. It is my hope that we can come together as a nation to acknowledge the existence of systemic racism and work collectively to dismantle it, ensuring a brighter future for all Americans.
Effenus Henderson
