Understanding the Misconception of Racism Among Black and Brown Individuals

Racism is a complex and pervasive issue that has been subject to numerous discussions and debates. A common misconception is that some black and brown individuals become racist as a result of white people treating them poorly. This article aims to clarify and address this misunderstanding, emphasizing the true nature of racism and the emotions behind such actions.

What is Racism?

At its core, racism is defined as:

The belief that different races possess distinct characteristics, abilities, or qualities, especially so as to distinguish them as inferior or superior to one another.

This definition focuses on the belief in inherent differences between races and the use of these differences to justify discrimination or prejudice. However, the concept of racism goes beyond the belief in inherent differences; it involves systemic oppression and discrimination.

Emotions and Misconceptions

It is crucial to understand that anger, jealousy, spite, and a desire for revenge are often mislabeled as racism. While these emotions can contribute to hostile behavior, they do not equate to racism. Here are a few points that highlight the distinction:

Anger and Resentment

Many individuals, regardless of their race or ethnicity, may harbor anger or resentment towards others who have wronged them. This anger is often directed at specific individuals or groups, rather than an entire race. For example, a black individual who was bullied in high school might direct their anger towards those bullies, but not towards all white people as a group.

Environmental Factors

Some individuals may develop resentment towards another race due to systemic or cultural factors. However, this does not imply an inherent belief in inferiority or superiority. They are reacting to experiences and environmental factors that have contributed to their feelings of injustice or frustration.

Specific Examples

A personal anecdote illustrates this point. In 1994, I had a client named David W., who was a high school valedictorian at a magnet school. Despite his academic prowess, his guidance counselor advised him to apply to minority colleges. When discussing his options, David became hostile when I mentioned bringing back black bread from a Gay Pride event in New York. His reaction was based on his past experiences and a misunderstanding, rather than a developed sense of racism.

Breaking the Misconception

It is essential to debunk the misconception that black and brown individuals who have been wronged by white people are inherently racist. As we have seen, their anger and resentment are often directed at specific individuals or groups. They are not trying to perpetuate systemic oppression or discrimination. Instead, they are responding to personal experiences and emotions.

Conclusion

While it is vital to address racism and its impacts, it is equally important to understand the underlying emotions and motivations behind such actions. By recognizing that anger, jealousy, and a desire for revenge do not equate to racism, we can foster a more accurate and nuanced understanding of the complex issues surrounding race and discrimination.