Rooting Out Systemic Racism and White Supremacy
It’s axiomatic among progressives and the mainstream media that the country is awash in racism and white supremacy.
The entertainment industry is obsessed with racism/white supremacy. So too is the educational establishment. More than a half century after passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, racism and white supremacy apparently permeate every corner of the country. Indeed, according to the New York Times’ 1619 Project, racism is in the very DNA of America.
So virulent and widespread is racism and white supremacy today that Democratic presidential candidates call for “rooting out” the plague every chance they get. Speaking at a recent event hosted by Al Sharpton, former Vice President Joe Biden said: “We have a lot to root out, but most of all the systemic racism that most of us whites don’t like to acknowledge even exists. There’s something we have to admit — not you, me, white America — has to admit there’s still a systemic racism.” Biden wasn’t asked why he seemingly hadn’t made a dent in rooting out systemic racism in his 36 years as a senator or eight years as Barack Obama’s VP. After all, he has been a member in good standing of The System for a long time.
It’s axiomatic among progressives and the mainstream media that the country is awash in racism and white supremacy. The entertainment industry is obsessed with racism/white supremacy. So too is the educational establishment. More than a half century after passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, racism and white supremacy apparently permeate every corner of the country. Indeed, according to the New York Times’ 1619 Project, racism is in the very DNA of America. So virulent and widespread is racism and white supremacy today that Democratic presidential candidates call for “rooting out” the plague every chance they get. Speaking at a recent event hosted by Al Sharpton, former Vice President Joe Biden said: “We have a lot to root out, but most of all the systemic racism that most of us whites don’t like to acknowledge even exists. There’s something we have to admit — not you, me, white America — has to admit there’s still a systemic racism.” Biden wasn’t asked why he seemingly hadn’t made a dent in rooting out systemic racism in his 36 years as a senator or eight years as Barack Obama’s VP. After all, he has been a member in good standing of The System for a long time.
5 Steps to Properly Combat Housing Discrimination in New York
5 Steps to Properly Combat Housing Discrimination in New York
5 Steps to Properly Combat Housing Discrimination in New York
The landmark report on housing discrimination on Long Island recently published by Newsday requires action by government and the real estate industry in the region but also in Albany and statewide. The rampant discrimination revealed is not limited to Long Island and displays a dramatic failure by New York State government that must be corrected.
Newsday’s three-year investigation of real estate sales practices on Long Island – titled “Long Island Divided” – involved paired testers (one white, the other “of color”) and revealed widespread separate and unequal treatment of potential homebuyers who were black, Hispanic, and Asian, and of other minority communities. Black testers experienced disparate treatment 49 percent of the time, compared with 39 percent for Hispanics and 19 percent for Asian testers.
The results of Newsday’s investigation mirror those of an earlier investigation that our two organizations jointly conducted to determine whether black renters on Long Island were being discriminated against in the housing options that they were offered. Our similar use of paired testing revealed that in both Nassau and Suffolk counties property owners and management companies were showing apartments to white applicants and not to black applicants. Our findings led to successful litigation resulting in court-mandated settlements in 2014 and 2016 with the offending rental housing providers.
Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Supports Gender Discrimination in Auto Insurance Rates
“I do think there should be a rate difference. I am for gender as a rate-setting factor.”
So says Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon, who addressed the Baton Rouge Press Club on Monday, February 17.
Donelon, who has jurisdiction over life, health and accident, property and liability, marine and inland marine, fidelity and surety, and title insurance industries in the state, won his fourth full term last fall. He fended off a strong challenge by fellow Republican Tim Temple, taking 53% of the primary vote, compared to Temple’s 47%, with an 82,596 vote difference out of more than 1.1 million ballots cast.
That closer-than-he-expected result was generally believed to be due to the 75-year-old commissioner’s failure to go all-in on last year’s HB 372. Rep. Kirk Talbot’s “Omnibus Premium Reduction Act,” was – as the Bayou Brief reported thoroughly in our “Wrecked” series last spring – primarily nothing more than an excuse to enact tort reform. Donelon himself, when testifying about that bill in the House Insurance Committee last April, said he was unsure what auto insurance rate impact could be achieved by the bill’s lowering of the state civil jury trial threshold.
Donelon, who has jurisdiction over life, health and accident, property and liability, marine and inland marine, fidelity and surety, and title insurance industries in the state, won his fourth full term last fall. He fended off a strong challenge by fellow Republican Tim Temple, taking 53% of the primary vote, compared to Temple’s 47%, with an 82,596 vote difference out of more than 1.1 million ballots cast. That closer-than-he-expected result was generally believed to be due to the 75-year-old commissioner’s failure to go all-in on last year’s HB 372. Rep. Kirk Talbot’s “Omnibus Premium Reduction Act,” was – as the Bayou Brief reported thoroughly in our “Wrecked” series last spring – primarily nothing more than an excuse to enact tort reform. Donelon himself, when testifying about that bill in the House Insurance Committee last April, said he was unsure what auto insurance rate impact could be achieved by the bill’s lowering of the state civil jury trial threshold.
The Language of the New Racism: “People of Color”
So far Steve Haner is the only journalist in the state of Virginia to have remarked upon the most significant attribute of the the most consequential legislation to pass both the state Senate and House of Delegates this session — a provision in the Omnibus Energy bill that would bequeath special treatment upon that most amorphous but oh-so-politically-correct racial category, “People of Color.” (See “Energy Omnibus III: Race, Poverty and Justice.”)
The omnibus bill, as Steve has explained in his three-post series, would radically overhaul Virginia’s electricity infrastructure, making it greener and more expensive. In tacit acknowledgment that restructuring the electric grid will cost rate payers billions of dollars, legislators would insulate low-income Virginians from rate increases and also would engage in racially preferential hiring for utility construction contracts in “historically economically disadvantaged communities.”
How is such a community defined?
Historically economically disadvantaged community” means a community that is (i) a community in which a majority of the population are people of color or (ii) a low-income geographic area.
So far Steve Haner is the only journalist in the state of Virginia to have remarked upon the most significant attribute of the the most consequential legislation to pass both the state Senate and House of Delegates this session — a provision in the Omnibus Energy bill that would bequeath special treatment upon that most amorphous but oh-so-politically-correct racial category, “People of Color.” (See “Energy Omnibus III: Race, Poverty and Justice.”) The omnibus bill, as Steve has explained in his three-post series, would radically overhaul Virginia’s electricity infrastructure, making it greener and more expensive. In tacit acknowledgment that restructuring the electric grid will cost rate payers billions of dollars, legislators would insulate low-income Virginians from rate increases and also would engage in racially preferential hiring for utility construction contracts in “historically economically disadvantaged communities.” How is such a community defined? Historically economically disadvantaged community” means a community that is (i) a community in which a majority of the population are people of color or (ii) a low-income geographic area. New Racism New Racism New Racism
The effects of stereotypes and racism are felt within the school and community
An elderly, white man approached the baseball field concession stand. He stopped to stare at sophomore Drew Morgan who was busy preparing a large order of Icees. After finishing his task, Morgan greeted the man and apologized for the wait.
“You’re lucky your people are allowed to work here,” the man said.
Ignoring the comment, Morgan asked again how he could help the man.
“Back in my time, your people wouldn’t even be allowed to be in this certain section,” the man said.
Not wanting to lose his job, Morgan replied that he couldn’t help the man if that’s all he was going to say. Without another word, the man walked away.
This blatant racism was not the first time Morgan’s African American ancestry played a role in how people treat him. Adopted into a white family, the color of his skin began shaping his world before he even understood what race was.
“I remember when I was growing up … a lot of people would stop and stare at my family in public, and it was something that I didn’t understand at the time,” Morgan said. “[I thought], ‘Why are they staring at me?’ I was just staring at my parents.”
An elderly, white man approached the baseball field concession stand. He stopped to stare at sophomore Drew Morgan who was busy preparing a large order of Icees. After finishing his task, Morgan greeted the man and apologized for the wait. “You’re lucky your people are allowed to work here,” the man said. Ignoring the comment, Morgan asked again how he could help the man. “Back in my time, your people wouldn’t even be allowed to be in this certain section,” the man said. Not wanting to lose his job, Morgan replied that he couldn’t help the man if that’s all he was going to say. Without another word, the man walked away. This blatant racism was not the first time Morgan’s African American ancestry played a role in how people treat him. Adopted into a white family, the color of his skin began shaping his world before he even understood what race was. “I remember when I was growing up … a lot of people would stop and stare at my family in public, and it was something that I didn’t understand at the time,” Morgan said. “[I thought], ‘Why are they staring at me?’ I was just staring at my parents.” stereotypes stereotypes stereotypes
Bernie Custis students block traffic to protest suspension of program for Black youth
Hundreds of Bernie Custis Secondary School students and supporters blocked King Street traffic Wednesday to protest the suspension of a popular Black youth mentorship program.
Youth spilled out of the school at King and Melrose Avenue South around 10:20 a.m. and were joined by community supporters and observers — including New Democrat MP Matthew Green and anti-racism advocate Evelyn Myrie — for a rally that grew to include 250-plus people.
Protest organizers Greg Dongen and Aztecca Clarke said students are upset about an unexpected “pause” in a mentoring program for Black youth — especially since it was announced after the two student leaders spoke out about racism they see in the school system at a recent event at city hall.
“We will not be shut down. Our voices need to be heard,” said Clarke, a 17-year-old co-chair of the school’s Black youth council, after the chanting, sign-waving group circled the block and stopped traffic in the intersection of Melrose and King.
Hundreds of Bernie Custis Secondary School students and supporters blocked King Street traffic Wednesday to protest the suspension of a popular Black youth mentorship program. Youth spilled out of the school at King and Melrose Avenue South around 10:20 a.m. and were joined by community supporters and observers — including New Democrat MP Matthew Green and anti-racism advocate Evelyn Myrie — for a rally that grew to include 250-plus people. Protest organizers Greg Dongen and Aztecca Clarke said students are upset about an unexpected “pause” in a mentoring program for Black youth — especially since it was announced after the two student leaders spoke out about racism they see in the school system at a recent event at city hall. “We will not be shut down. Our voices need to be heard,” said Clarke, a 17-year-old co-chair of the school’s Black youth council, after the chanting, sign-waving group circled the block and stopped traffic in the intersection of Melrose and King.
Universities fighting ‘abuse and racism’ linked to coronavirus
Universities are grappling with “discriminatory behaviour” towards Chinese staff and students as the coronavirus continues to spread.
On 10 February Cardiff University issued a statement after receiving complaints about staff and students from China experiencing discrimination. “We are aware of recent, concerning reports from individuals some of whom identify as Chinese regarding discriminatory behaviour relating to Coronavirus,” the university wrote.
“Cardiff University is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all our students and staff. We take any form of racial harassment, violence or abuse within our community very seriously. Action will be taken against anyone violating a person’s dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment.”
Cardiff University urged staff or students who have experienced “unpleasant” behaviour to report it. As of 11 February, the coronavirus—which originated in China’s Hubei province—had reportedly caused more than 1,000 deaths and infected more than 40,000 people, the majority in China. At time of writing, the number of confirmed UK cases is eight.
Universities are grappling with “discriminatory behaviour” towards Chinese staff and students as the coronavirus continues to spread. On 10 February Cardiff University issued a statement after receiving complaints about staff and students from China experiencing discrimination. “We are aware of recent, concerning reports from individuals some of whom identify as Chinese regarding discriminatory behaviour relating to Coronavirus,” the university wrote. “Cardiff University is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all our students and staff. We take any form of racial harassment, violence or abuse within our community very seriously. Action will be taken against anyone violating a person’s dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment.” Cardiff University urged staff or students who have experienced “unpleasant” behaviour to report it. As of 11 February, the coronavirus—which originated in China’s Hubei province—had reportedly caused more than 1,000 deaths and infected more than 40,000 people, the majority in China. At time of writing, the number of confirmed UK cases is eight. Universities fighting Universities fighting Universities fighting Universities fighting
Stand Up To Racism conference calls for action in the workplace
Up to 250 trade unionists and campaigners rallied against racism in Central London on Saturday.
The Stand Up To Racism (SUTR) trade union conference brought together people from across Britain.
Those attending debated how to take forward the fight against the Tories and racism in workplaces.
Jenny Martin had come after hearing about it at the Unison union’s black members’ conference last week.
“Racism is institutional and is found across every workplace,” she told Socialist Worker.
“You can’t go up to your employer and stay that and that there is an issue. You have the stand up and call it out,” she said.
At the opening plenary speakers talked about how activists could take on racism at work.
Leila, a member of Usdaw, spoke about how she had used a Show Racism the Red Card Wear Red To Work Day to organise against racism from “managers, the public and colleagues”.
Up to 250 trade unionists and campaigners rallied against racism in Central London on Saturday. The Stand Up To Racism (SUTR) trade union conference brought together people from across Britain. Those attending debated how to take forward the fight against the Tories and racism in workplaces. Jenny Martin had come after hearing about it at the Unison union’s black members’ conference last week. “Racism is institutional and is found across every workplace,” she told Socialist Worker. “You can’t go up to your employer and stay that and that there is an issue. You have the stand up and call it out,” she said. At the opening plenary speakers talked about how activists could take on racism at work. Leila, a member of Usdaw, spoke about how she had used a Show Racism the Red Card Wear Red To Work Day to organise against racism from “managers, the public and colleagues”.
Elizabeth Warren’s new campaign racism scandal is just as hypocritical as you’d expect
Elizabeth Warren is painfully woke — except when it comes to her own campaign’s culture of racial hostility.
The Massachusetts Democrat was the first 2020 presidential candidate to endorse affirmative action for nonbinary people, and she has also signaled potential support for slavery reparations and even offered a mea culpa for her white privilege. But new reports reveal that, as is so often the case, Warren’s wokeness is mostly just virtue-signaling and evidently doesn’t actually translate to treating minorities well.
As the Washington Examiner has reported, six minority women have quit Warren’s Nevada campaign due to a perceived toxic work environment. Former field organizer Megan Lewis said there was something “wrong with the culture” and told reporters that she “filed a complaint with HR, but the follow-up I received left me feeling as though I needed to make myself smaller or change who I was to fit into the office culture.”
“I felt like a problem — like I was there to literally bring color into the space but not the knowledge and voice that comes with it.”
Elizabeth Warren is painfully woke — except when it comes to her own campaign’s culture of racial hostility. The Massachusetts Democrat was the first 2020 presidential candidate to endorse affirmative action for nonbinary people, and she has also signaled potential support for slavery reparations and even offered a mea culpa for her white privilege. But new reports reveal that, as is so often the case, Warren’s wokeness is mostly just virtue-signaling and evidently doesn’t actually translate to treating minorities well. As the Washington Examiner has reported, six minority women have quit Warren’s Nevada campaign due to a perceived toxic work environment. Former field organizer Megan Lewis said there was something “wrong with the culture” and told reporters that she “filed a complaint with HR, but the follow-up I received left me feeling as though I needed to make myself smaller or change who I was to fit into the office culture.” “I felt like a problem — like I was there to literally bring color into the space but not the knowledge and voice that comes with it.” campaign racism scandal campaign racism scandal
Why We See Racism in Others but Not Ourselves
Whenever I teach my college course on racism, I start out the first day by asking students to raise their hand if they are racist.
I bet you can guess how many actually raise their hand. That’s right: Zero.
That isn’t particularly surprising. I mean, who wants to “out” themselves as a racist in front of an entire class of fellow students? But when scientists pose the same question to students whose responses are completely anonymous, the same pattern emerges. This suggests that it isn’t just about social pressure and political correctness. Instead, it seems that people who engage in racist behaviors are simply unwilling or unable to admit their own racism, even to themselves. But why?
The fact that people fail to report their racism even when responses are anonymous got me thinking. Was it possible the reason people who engage in racist behavior don’t label themselves as racist because they essentially have a “mental blindspot” when it comes to their own behavior? What would happen if they saw someone else engage in the same offensive behavior they had? Would they see those behaviors as racist when they were committed by someone other than themselves?
See Racism See Racism
That isn’t particularly surprising. I mean, who wants to “out” themselves as a racist in front of an entire class of fellow students? But when scientists pose the same question to students whose responses are completely anonymous, the same pattern emerges. This suggests that it isn’t just about social pressure and political correctness. Instead, it seems that people who engage in racist behaviors are simply unwilling or unable to admit their own racism, even to themselves. But why? The fact that people fail to report their racism even when responses are anonymous got me thinking. Was it possible the reason people who engage in racist behavior don’t label themselves as racist because they essentially have a “mental blindspot” when it comes to their own behavior? What would happen if they saw someone else engage in the same offensive behavior they had? Would they see those behaviors as racist when they were committed by someone other than themselves?
