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WHY ANTI-RACISTS CAN’T CHANGE ANYONE’S MIND
Attacks on systemic racism may be failing because a prior step has not been completed
Most of us have spent a large amount of time and effort trying to show our more conservative-minded friends, family and associates examples of systemic racism in America.
Personally, I don’t believe I’ve moved anyone, except perhaps a few younger students with no fixed political position yet.
Some of these people were intelligent and logical. But even with those who could acknowledge some examples of unfairness, there was something behind their words that remained untouched. A refusal to believe that the experience of, let’s say, Black Americans was and is really that bad, that we owe them something.
In this context, I would like to share with you a short conversation with the boyfriend of one of my daughters. I will call him Bill.
Like most the people in the red neck village I live in (I am the only non-Trumpie), Bill is a good fellow. He is kind to my daughter, respectful to me (despite his knowledge of my views), generous with his time and money, and good to be around (unless he’s drinking).
A couple days ago, he walked into my office and just started talking.
Bill: I don’t understand why these blacks are complaining and protesting.