Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People About Race

1. Britain's History is Deeply Entwined with Race

Given that the British began trading in African slaves in 1562, slavery as a British institution existed for much longer than it has currently been abolished – over 270 years.

Colonial past. Britain's history is inextricably linked to the transatlantic slave trade and colonialism, shaping its social fabric and power structures. The wealth amassed from slavery seeped into British society, creating lasting inequalities. Understanding this history is crucial to understanding present-day racism.

Black presence. Black people have been present in Britain for centuries, not just as recent immigrants. Their contributions to British society, particularly during both World Wars, have been largely erased from mainstream historical narratives. Recognizing this history is essential for creating a sense of belonging and identity for Black Britons.

Historical context. Events like the race riots of 1919 and the Bristol Bus Boycott demonstrate the long history of racial tension and resistance in Britain. These events highlight the systemic nature of racism and the ongoing struggle for equality. Ignoring this history perpetuates a false narrative of Britain as a monoculture.

2. Structural Racism Persists Despite Legal Advances

Institutional racism, the report explained, is ‘the collective failure of an organisation to provide an appropriate and professional service to people because of their colour, culture, or ethnic origin.

Systemic barriers. Despite legal advancements, structural racism continues to create barriers for Black people in education, employment, and the criminal justice system. These barriers are often invisible, operating through unconscious biases and discriminatory practices. The Stephen Lawrence case is a stark example of institutional racism within the police force.

Statistical disparities. Statistics reveal significant racial disparities in areas such as school exclusions, university admissions, and employment rates. Black people are disproportionately targeted by stop and search policies and over-represented in the prison population. These disparities highlight the systemic nature of racism and its impact on life chances.

Beyond individual prejudice. Structural racism is not simply about individual prejudice but about the collective effects of bias within institutions and systems. It requires a collective redefinition of what it means to be racist and a commitment to dismantling unjust structures. Addressing structural racism requires more than just individual actions; it requires systemic change.

3. White Privilege is an Unearned Advantage

And white privilege is an absence of the consequences of racism.

Absence of consequences. White privilege is not about individual wealth or success but about the absence of the negative consequences of racism. It is the unearned advantage that white people receive simply because of their skin color. Recognizing white privilege is crucial for understanding the systemic nature of racism.

Manifestations of privilege. White privilege manifests in various ways, such as being the default representation in media, not having to worry about racial profiling, and being able to navigate institutions without facing discrimination. These advantages are often invisible to those who possess them, making it difficult to recognize their impact.

Challenging the status quo. Challenging white privilege can have social implications, as it requires disrupting the status quo and confronting uncomfortable truths. It is essential to move beyond color-blindness and acknowledge the ways in which race shapes experiences and opportunities. Recognizing white privilege is the first step towards dismantling it.

4. Fear of a Black Planet Drives Resistance to Change

The projection of an ever-encroaching black doomsday is what I call ‘fear of a black planet’.

Underlying anxieties. Fear of a Black Planet is the anxiety that the "other" will take over, leading to the erosion of white culture and power. This fear manifests in anti-immigrant rhetoric, concerns about national identity, and resistance to multiculturalism. It is a projection of anxieties about losing dominance.

Historical roots. This fear has historical roots in colonialism and slavery, where white dominance was maintained through subjugation. It is perpetuated by politicians and media outlets that exploit racial tensions for political gain. Enoch Powell's "Rivers of Blood" speech is a prime example of this fear being used to stoke racial division.

Modern manifestations. Modern manifestations include anxieties about immigration, the rise of far-right political groups, and resistance to diversity initiatives. It is essential to challenge these fears and promote a vision of a society where all cultures and identities are valued. Overcoming this fear requires dismantling the structures that perpetuate racial inequality.

5. Feminism Must Address Race to Achieve True Liberation

When feminists can see the problem with all-male panels, but can’t see the problem with all-white television programmes, it’s worth questioning who they’re really fighting for.

Intersectional analysis. Feminism must address race to achieve true liberation for all women. White feminism, which focuses solely on the experiences of white women, fails to address the unique challenges faced by women of color. Intersectionality is crucial for understanding the complex ways in which race and gender intersect to create inequality.

Exclusionary practices. White-dominated feminist spaces often exclude or marginalize women of color, perpetuating a cycle of inequality. The backlash against intersectionality and the demonization of black feminists are examples of this exclusionary behavior. Creating truly inclusive feminist spaces requires a commitment to dismantling white privilege and centering the voices of women of color.

Beyond equality. Feminism must move beyond a narrow focus on equality and strive for liberation for all marginalized groups. This requires challenging the systems of power that perpetuate inequality and working towards a more just and equitable society. True feminism is about dismantling all forms of oppression.

6. Class and Race Intersect to Compound Inequality

It seems like black people face a disadvantage at every significant step in their lives.

Compounding disadvantages. Class and race intersect to create compounded disadvantages for Black people. Black people are disproportionately represented in low-income communities and face barriers to social mobility. Addressing inequality requires understanding the complex interplay between race and class.

Economic disparities. Statistics reveal significant racial disparities in income, employment, and wealth. Black people are more likely to live in poverty, be unemployed, and work in low-skilled jobs. These disparities are not simply the result of individual choices but are shaped by systemic factors.

Challenging the narrative. It is essential to challenge the narrative that class and race are separate issues and recognize the ways in which they reinforce each other. Addressing inequality requires a multi-faceted approach that tackles both class and race-based discrimination. Ignoring the intersection of race and class perpetuates inequality.

7. Anti-Racism Requires Action, Not Just Awareness

Every voice raised against racism chips away at its power.

Beyond awareness. Anti-racism requires more than just awareness; it requires active engagement in dismantling racist structures and practices. This includes challenging racist jokes, intervening in bystander situations, and advocating for anti-racist policies. Silence is complicity.

White allyship. White people have a crucial role to play in anti-racism, but it requires more than just performative gestures. True allyship involves using privilege to advocate for anti-racist causes, educating other white people about racism, and supporting Black-led organizations. Performative allyship is not enough.

Long-term commitment. Anti-racism is a long-term commitment that requires ongoing learning, self-reflection, and action. It is not a one-time event but a continuous process of challenging and dismantling racist systems. Sustained effort is essential for creating lasting change.

8. Color-blindness Perpetuates Inequality

Colour-blindness does not accept the legitimacy of structural racism or a history of white racial dominance.

Harmful ideology. The idea of color-blindness, or not "seeing" race, is a harmful ideology that perpetuates inequality. It denies the reality of racism and ignores the ways in which race shapes experiences and opportunities. Color-blindness is not a solution but a way to avoid addressing the problem.

Ignoring reality. Pretending that race doesn't matter allows systemic racism to continue unchecked. It prevents meaningful conversations about race and reinforces the status quo. Acknowledging race is essential for dismantling racist structures.

Active engagement. Instead of being color-blind, we must actively engage with race and challenge the biases and stereotypes that perpetuate inequality. This requires a willingness to listen to the experiences of people of color and to confront our own prejudices. Seeing race is essential to changing the system.

9. The System is Designed to Benefit the Dominant Group

The covert nature of structural racism is difficult to hold to account.

Intentional design. The system is not broken; it is designed to benefit the dominant group, which is white people. This design is often covert, operating through unconscious biases and discriminatory practices. Recognizing this design is crucial for dismantling it.

Power dynamics. Racism is about power, not just prejudice. It is about the ability to control resources, shape narratives, and influence institutions. Challenging racism requires shifting power away from the dominant group and towards marginalized communities.

Collective action. Dismantling the system requires collective action and a commitment to creating a more just and equitable society. This includes challenging racist policies, supporting Black-led organizations, and advocating for systemic change. Individual actions are important, but systemic change is essential.

Last updated: February 10, 2025