Silent Racism Thoughts

After two chapters of ‘Silent Racism’ I could not agree more that silent racism is a harmful form of racism that is present in society. However, it is also a form that can be worked at to abolish, or at least lessen its occurrence. We are much closer to improving upon the presence of silent racism than more blatant forms. This is because silent racism is a way of thinking that is only present when we aren’t aware of it. Once awareness is increased, people can think about what they are actually doing when the think they are ‘not racist.’ I believe that the scale of degree of racism present does need to be altered to expand its contents. The two extremes of ‘racist’ or ‘not racist’ leaves opportunity for white people to believe they are ‘not racist’ and then do nothing to defend other races or to progress society’s ideas about racism. To me, someone who lets racist acts occur without acknowledgement or protest is racist as well. Although it may be silent racism, it is still an action permitting racist acts to take place. I would compare this to seeing a crime being committed, and then not reporting it because it doesn’t concern you and would get you involved. This is why there are several degrees of racism. Society has made people think, at one time or more, racist thoughts. Influential sources, such as the media, that create these stereotypes and racist feelings can also stop these actions and cause awareness.