All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.
Racism is a form of evil. That's my take on it, anyway.
Those who try to justify their own part in it, or angrily deny their own actions could be construed as such, are at times insidious in their attempts to escape the label.
And there are those who simply don't know any better, who can learn and realize what constitutes racism in its ever-increasing forms. They may have grown up where racial stereotypes had been toned down, pervasive, or so ingrained in the cultural expressions and underpinnings that they never realized what it was until confronted with rational evidence and able to step into the perspective of those assaulted by racist words or deeds (even if only long enough to catch a glimpse of what it's like to be on the receiving end).
Those are the people who can help change the ugly realities that enable racism & racists to act. Those are the people who can help bring change, help dig out some of the deep roots that have integrated themselves into various regional cultural foundations.
Those are the folks worth reaching. Worth teaching.
And those are the folks who will, once enlightened, help fight against racism.
For all the efforts of all the people who have stood up & stood fast against racism, there always seems to be more unthinking racial commentary or knee-jerk reaction to point out, to question, to protest - and as each new instance is addressed, awareness spreads.
Fighting against racism and fighting to help ensure that others can learn to recognize, and oppose, it - that's fighting the good fight. Or at least "a" good fight.
Fighting racism also helps raise awareness of other, similar evils like misogyny, sexism, homophobia, classism, xenophobia...(in my mind, at least).
The most important thing is to keep the fight going: never give up. Never surrender. Do not yield the high ground, and do not hesitate to leap into the breach time & again.
It's not always easy to stand up & speak out. But there are more voices speaking out every day, creating a stronger chorus in favor of justice & diversity.
I like to think every bit helps. Looking back on all the things I've seen simply on this site in the past few years, I know that the community here has made some significant strides & inroads into educating others.
And, also because of this site, I've seen that we still have a lot of work to do - quite likely, for a long time.
I was doodling with the image below: I think it can be enhanced, and the wording improved. I was hoping to create a contrast showing one of the areas where racism occurs, and some of the tremendous inroads made to help those affected by it, contrasted to one recent example of stark, stupid racial commentary.
I'm putting it out to the community to ponder, comment, critique and hopefully complete with suggestions. (I can also make the PhotoShop Elements PSD file available.)
Your thoughts & comments are most welcomed.