Systemic Racism: Dismantling Injustice Without Creating New Divides

Let’s address the third rail for a moment—systemic racism is real, and it has left a lasting impact on marginalized communities. Much of this racism stems from outdated perceptions that were normalized in previous generations, such as the biases held by "grandpa's era" in the 1950s. While many of these beliefs have faded over time, some remnants persist in ways that continue to harm people of color in housing, education, and employment.

However, systemic racism can cut both ways. I’ve seen examples where addressing racism becomes imbalanced, creating a new cycle of division. For instance, when I enrolled in an online business course, one of the textbooks contained a quote implying that all white people are inherently racist due to their upbringing. This type of generalization can alienate potential allies and risks reinforcing a different kind of racial stereotyping.

To effectively dismantle systemic racism without creating new divides, we must focus on fairness, accountability, and a commitment to equality for all.

Avoid Reinforcing Division:

If a statement or policy can be reversed with a different race inserted and becomes offensive, it’s likely not the right approach. We must remember that race is a social construct—if we truly want to move beyond it, we must avoid building new frameworks that reinforce racial divides.

Reviewing Outdated Laws and Practices:

Create a review mechanism to assess and eliminate outdated laws and regulations that perpetuate inequality.

This process should be inclusive and focused on removing systemic barriers that no longer serve a purpose in modern society.

Foster Dialogue and Education:

Encourage open conversations about racism that focus on shared humanity rather than blame.

Promote education that provides historical context without painting entire groups as inherently "good" or "bad."

If we are serious about building a society free of systemic racism, we must commit to approaches that foster unity and fairness. Addressing racism should be about creating opportunity and equality, not perpetuating new cycles of blame and division.

By dismantling harmful systems from the past while resisting the temptation to create new ones, we can build a more inclusive future for all Americans. The goal should always be to promote dignity, fairness, and mutual respect—ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to thrive, free from discrimination of any kind.