Coming to terms with the past
The human mind is a complex network of thoughts, memories, and perceptions that shape our understanding of the world around us. One crucial aspect of this mental framework is the presence of cognitive and implicit biases, which are deeply ingrained psychological phenomena that affect how we process information and make decisions. Cognitive biases are systematic patterns of deviation from norm or rationality in judgment, often leading individuals to draw incorrect conclusions. Implicit biases, on the other hand, are unconscious attitudes or stereotypes that influence our understanding, actions, and decisions in an unintentional manner. These biases are not just abstract concepts but play a significant role in our daily lives, affecting everything from interpersonal relationships to social policies.
Understanding these biases is paramount because they influence our perceptions and behaviors in ways we might not even be aware of. Cognitive biases, such as confirmation bias, lead individuals to favor information that confirms their pre-existing beliefs, while ignoring evidence that contradicts them. This can create echo chambers where misinformation and stereotypes are perpetuated, further entrenching harmful societal attitudes. Implicit biases, though more subtle, are equally pernicious. They can affect how we perceive others based on race, gender, or other characteristics, leading to discriminatory behavior even in the absence of explicit intent. By recognizing and understanding these biases, we can begin to mitigate their effects, fostering a more just and equitable society.
When considering the information learned from a white-dominated education system and media, it becomes clear how these cognitive and implicit biases can be particularly problematic. Education systems and media outlets that predominantly reflect white perspectives often present a skewed version of history, culture, and current events. Take for example, the lessons learned from this blog’s four-part series about white violence against Black communities. A one-sided portrayal of these events can subtly reinforce stereotypes and contribute to the development of biased perceptions against Black people and other marginalized groups. As individuals absorb this information, their cognitive and implicit biases may become more pronounced, leading them to unconsciously internalize and perpetuate racist attitudes and behaviors. The lack of diverse perspectives in these influential institutions not only limits understanding but also exacerbates the biases that already exist within society.
By recognizing how a white-dominated education system and media can influence our cognitive and implicit biases, we can begin to challenge and deconstruct these harmful narratives. This awareness is essential in promoting critical thinking, fostering empathy, and ultimately working towards a more just and equitable society where all voices are heard and respected.
Philosophy, often regarded as the study of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, and ethics, plays a critical role in helping individuals understand their own perceptions and the world around them. Engaging with philosophical inquiry encourages us to question our assumptions, examine our beliefs, and reflect on the ethical implications of our actions. This process of self-examination is essential for developing a deeper understanding of our own biases and the ways in which they shape our perceptions of others.
Socrates famously stated, "The unexamined life is not worth living." This statement underscores the importance of self-examination in leading a meaningful and ethical life. In the context of understanding race in America, self-examination involves critically analyzing our own beliefs about race and the societal structures that perpetuate racial inequality. It requires us to confront uncomfortable truths about our own prejudices and the ways in which we may unconsciously contribute to systemic racism. Philosophy provides the tools for this introspection, allowing us to deconstruct our biases and reconstruct a more just and equitable worldview.
History is not just a record of past events; it is a lens through which we can understand the present and shape the future. Understanding history is crucial for making sense of the societal structures and cultural attitudes that influence our perceptions of race today. The history of race relations in America, from slavery and segregation to the Civil Rights Movement and beyond, has left an indelible mark on the nation’s collective consciousness. This historical context is essential for understanding the roots of systemic racism and the ways in which it continues to manifest in contemporary society.
Critical examination of the information we are exposed to is also vital. In an age of information overload, it is easy to fall prey to misinformation, propaganda, or simplistic narratives that obscure the complex realities of racial issues. Developing the skills to critically evaluate sources, question narratives, and seek out diverse perspectives is essential for forming a well-rounded understanding the nuances of societal issues. This critical approach allows us to move beyond surface-level understandings and engage with the deeper, systemic issues that underlie racial inequality.
The culmination of understanding psychological biases, engaging in philosophical self-examination, and critically analyzing historical and contemporary information is the formation of our perceptions of race in America. These perceptions are not formed in a vacuum; they are the product of a complex interplay between our cognitive and implicit biases, our philosophical outlooks, and our understanding of history. Each of these elements influences how we see ourselves and others, how we interpret societal dynamics, and how we contribute to or challenge the status quo.
In America, where race has been a central issue since the nation's inception, understanding these factors is crucial for addressing the ongoing challenges of racial inequality. Cognitive and implicit biases can perpetuate stereotypes and discriminatory behaviors that reinforce systemic racism. Philosophy encourages us to question these biases and consider the ethical implications of our actions. History provides the context for understanding the roots of these issues and the ways in which they have evolved over time. Together, these elements enable us to develop a more nuanced and informed perspective on race, one that is capable of recognizing and challenging the deep-seated inequalities that continue to shape American society.
Take for example societies view of programs designed to level the playing field for marginalized groups, particularly when these programs are perceived as benefiting people of color. One prominent example is the myth of the "welfare queen," a stereotype that falsely portrays Black women as lazy and exploitative of welfare systems. This harmful narrative suggests that individuals receiving welfare are undeserving and reliant on government assistance by choice, rather than by necessity. In reality, welfare programs such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families are essential safety nets that support individuals and families during times of economic hardship, regardless of race, with white recipients making up the largest racial group on welfare (around 40%). However, the racialized perception of welfare recipients as predominantly Black and undeserving fuels stigma and opposition to these vital programs, despite the fact that they serve a diverse population of Americans in need.
Another historically inaccurate stereotype surrounds affirmative action policies, which are often perceived as giving unfair advantages to women or people of color, particularly Black individuals, at the expense of more qualified white candidates. This perception is rooted in the false belief that affirmative action is about lowering standards rather than correcting systemic inequities in access to education and employment opportunities. The reality is that affirmative action seeks to address the historical and ongoing discrimination that has limited opportunities for marginalized groups. Despite this, the myth persists that affirmative action unfairly benefits undeserving individuals, reinforcing the idea that people of color are receiving "handouts" rather than being recognized for their potential in a fairer system.
These misconceptions overlook the broader context of white violence and systemic oppression that followed Black progress throughout American history, such as the Wilmington Insurrection of 1898 and the Tulsa race massacre of 1921 covered in part four this blog’s four-part series on white fear and violence. Both events were brutal responses to thriving Black communities and their increasing political and economic power. White mobs destroyed these communities, murdering Black residents, and decimating their businesses and wealth. These acts of violence were intended to reassert white supremacy and disrupt Black advancement. Affirmative action and similar policies are not "handouts" but necessary tools to help undo the generational damage caused by such racially motivated violence. They aim to restore some measure of the opportunities and resources that were violently stripped away, challenging the entrenched white power structures that have historically marginalized Black communities.
Coming to terms with the historical wrongs done to Black communities, such as the violence and systemic oppression that followed Black progress, requires significant effort on an individual level. It demands that each person confront their own biases, challenge deeply ingrained philosophical beliefs, and actively educate themselves about the true history and ongoing effects of racial injustice. This self-reflection is crucial not only for personal growth but also for making informed and equitable decisions, particularly in the context of voting. When individuals fail to examine their biases and misconceptions, they may support policies or candidates that perpetuate inequality and harm marginalized communities. In contrast, those who engage in this difficult work are more likely to vote in ways that promote justice, equity, and the dismantling of oppressive systems. By acknowledging these wrongs and striving for a more informed understanding, individuals can play a crucial role in shaping a more just and inclusive society through their voting behavior.
The Democratic Party has historically been more aligned with advancing Black progress, advocating for civil rights, social justice, and policies aimed at leveling the playing field for marginalized communities. From supporting the Civil Rights Movement to pushing for affirmative action and voting rights, the Democratic Party has been a key player in efforts to dismantle systemic racism and promote equality. In stark contrast, the Republican Party's rhetoric, particularly under the mantra of "Make America Great Again," is rooted in a nostalgic desire to return to a time when white power and supremacy were unchallenged. This slogan thinly veils an agenda aimed at suppressing Black progress, whether through voter suppression laws, rolling back civil rights protections, or opposing policies that seek to address racial inequities. The push to make America great again is not about returning to some golden age for all Americans, but rather about restoring a time when white dominance went unquestioned, at the expense of marginalized demographics, particularly Blacks. This fundamental difference in approach underscores the broader ideological divide between the two parties when it comes to racial justice and equality.
The Republican Party and the MAGA movement behind Donald Trump can be summed up as being dog whistle politics. Dog whistle politics refers to the use of coded language and messages that appear innocuous to the general population but are understood by a particular group as a signal of support for controversial or discriminatory views. Trump’s rhetoric and policies have frequently utilized this technique, allowing him to communicate with and energize a base that is often motivated by underlying racial, social, and economic anxieties.
The term "dog whistle" in politics is a metaphor that originates from the literal dog whistle, a device that emits a sound at a frequency that is inaudible to humans but can be heard by dogs. In the political context, a "dog whistle" refers to statements, phrases, or policies that appear to be normal or benign to the general public but carry a specific, often coded, meaning understood by a particular group of people. The metaphor is used to describe political messaging that communicates a hidden agenda or appeal to certain biases, particularly racial, ethnic, or social anxieties, without overtly expressing those sentiments. The language used in dog whistle politics is typically ambiguous or indirect, allowing the speaker to appeal to specific prejudices or fears without explicitly stating them. This enables the politician to maintain plausible deniability and avoid backlash while still signaling to their target audience that they share their views or concerns. The effectiveness of dog whistle politics lies in its subtlety. It allows politicians to communicate controversial or divisive ideas to a specific audience while minimizing the risk of alienating other voters or being labeled as bigoted. This strategy has been particularly useful in modern political discourse, where direct expressions of racism or other forms of prejudice are generally condemned, but underlying biases and fears can still be exploited for political gain.
It can’t be ignored that throughout American history, dogs have been used as tools of racial control and violence against Black people, from tracking and attacking runaway slaves during slavery to being unleashed on peaceful protesters during the Civil Rights Movement. These animals served not only to inflict physical harm but also to instill fear and maintain white supremacy. The legacy of this brutal practice persists in modern policing, where police dogs are often disproportionately used against Black individuals, symbolizing the enduring racial oppression and deep psychological trauma associated with their historical role in enforcing racial subjugation.
Trump’s campaign and presidency were marked by slogans and phrases that carried deeper, often racially charged, meanings. The slogan "Make America Great Again" itself became a potent dog whistle, suggesting a return to a past era that many associated with white dominance and traditional conservative values. While the phrase could be interpreted as a call for economic revival and national pride, for many of Trump's supporters, it resonated as a longing for a time before the civil rights movements and progressive changes that have diversified and transformed American society.
In addition to MAGA, Trump frequently employed language that subtly stoked racial and xenophobic fears. References to "law and order," for example, evoked memories of the civil unrest of the 1960s and 1970s, implicitly linking contemporary protests and movements like Black Lives Matter to criminality and disorder. Similarly, Trump’s focus on building a wall along the southern border with Mexico was framed as a matter of national security, but it also served as a dog whistle to those who harbored anti-immigrant sentiments, painting immigrants as dangerous and unwanted.
The effectiveness of dog whistle politics in the MAGA movement lies in its ability to galvanize a specific voter base without overtly alienating more moderate or undecided voters. By using coded language, Trump and his allies could appeal to the underlying fears and prejudices of their base while maintaining plausible deniability against accusations of racism or bigotry. This strategy has allowed the Republican Party to maintain a broad coalition, even as it embraces increasingly divisive and exclusionary rhetoric. It’s nuance.
Ultimately Trump’s dog whistle politics have had a polarizing effect on American society, deepening divisions and fostering an environment where overt expressions of racism and intolerance have become more normalized. The subtlety of dog whistles has given way to more explicit statements and actions, emboldening far-right groups and individuals who feel validated by Trump’s rhetoric. As a result, the political landscape has become more fractured, with dog whistle politics contributing to an erosion of civil discourse and a rise in political extremism.
Confused by all of this, Americans often grapple with cognitive dissonance when addressing the topic of racism. On one hand, there is widespread recognition (or the justification) that slavery was a global institution, that it has long been abolished in the United States, and that the nation has made considerable progress in race relations, symbolized by milestones such as the election of a Black president. However, this acknowledgment sharply contrasts with a less frequently confronted reality—the profound and ongoing harm inflicted upon Black communities throughout American history, primarily to benefit white society.
This cognitive dissonance—holding two conflicting beliefs at once—enables many to minimize or overlook the deep-rooted inequalities that continue to shape American society. These disparities are not merely remnants of a bygone era; they are starkly present in today’s realities, from voting access and income inequality to health disparities, educational inequities, and nearly every other aspect of life. The discomfort that arises from acknowledging these contradictory truths often leads to a shallow understanding of the profound and lasting impact of America’s racial history. This discomfort is frequently sidestepped in classrooms, churches, and social gatherings, where conversations about racism are often seen as too depressing or polarizing to engage with. Because of this avoidance, it becomes easier for people to ignore these issues and, eventually, for some to dismiss or outright deny the ongoing effects of systemic racism. This denial, in turn, perpetuates the very inequalities that are so unsettling to confront, allowing them to persist unchallenged.
This struggle to reconcile the idea of national progress with the persistent realities of racial injustice underscores a broader societal challenge: the difficulty in fully confronting and addressing the complex legacy of racism in America. The discomfort generated by this cognitive dissonance not only impedes a deeper understanding of racial issues but also hinders meaningful action toward achieving true racial equity.
What we need to do is confront racism with the same level of commitment and honesty that the Germans have shown in confronting the Holocaust and their history of antisemitism through what they refer to as "Vergangenheitsbewältigung," which translates to "coming to terms with the past" or "overcoming the past." This term encapsulates the nation's efforts to acknowledge, understand, and address the atrocities committed during the Nazi era, including extensive education about the Holocaust, public memorials, and laws against Holocaust denial. Just as Germany has taken significant steps to acknowledge, educate, and atone for the horrors of the Holocaust, America must engage in a deep and unflinching examination of its own history of racial injustice. This means not only acknowledging the atrocities of slavery and segregation but also actively addressing the systemic racism that continues to affect Black communities today. By facing these uncomfortable truths head-on, through comprehensive education, public discourse, and meaningful policy changes, we can begin to dismantle the structures of inequality that persist. And, just as Germany has worked to ensure that the lessons of the past are never forgotten, America must strive to create a future where racial equality is not just an ideal but a reality. Only through this kind of deliberate and sustained effort can we hope to overcome the legacy of racism and build a more just society for all.
But that won’t happen, because it threatens white power.
