Evolving Man Project

“Black people yelling “racism!” White people yelling “reverse racism!” Chinese people yelling “sideways racism!” And the Indians ain’t yelling shit, ’cause they dead. So everybody bitching about how bad their people got it: nobody got it worse than the American Indian. Everyone needs to calm the fuck down.” – Chris Rock 

Turn on the Faux News Network or scroll down social media sites like Twitter, Facebook, or Tik Tok. You’re likely to see controversial posts about things like “white genocide,” “critical race theory,” and last but definitely not least, “reverse racism.” I’m gonna discuss “reverse racism” since a good portion of white folks feel like ‘reverse racism’ is a real thing. But reverse racism is much like the Lock Ness Monster, the Easter Bunny, Santa Claus, and Kim K’s ass. It’s fake, a total fallacy. 

I can hear it now, from my Mayo brothas and sistas. “I had a black co-worker that was mean to me at the Christmas party. They said I put raisins in unseasoned potato salad. That’s reverse racism!” Sorry if you’ve come across a black or brown ( you can insert: Asian, Middle Eastern, Native American, etc.) person that didn’t kiss up to you, even if you’re one of the ‘good’ ones or makes a joke about white folks having no rhythm. It doesn’t mean that there’s reverse racism. Even if you’re a white person who felt that a black person slighted you for what you perceived as your skin color, it doesn’t mean there’s reverse racism. Ridiculous stereotypes about white people don’t get them shot by cops. But racist stereotypes about black criminality does lead to a brotha holding a toy gun getting shot by cops. RIP John Crawford, and Tamir Rice! #BlackLivesMatter

I’m the first to admit that assholes can come in all shapes, colors, and sizes. All people can be prejudiced against others. But you need an entire system of advantages based on just your racial identity to be racist. So, can black people be prejudiced? Yes! Can black people be racist? Nope! The power structure doesn’t advantage black skin or culture over all other cultures globally. Let’s look at some definitions for you doubters or haters out there: 

Racism: The marginalization and/or oppression of people of color based on a socially constructed racial hierarchy that privileges white people.

Systemic Racism: A combination of systems, institutions, and factors that advantage white people and people of color, cause widespread harm and disadvantages in access and opportunity. One person or even one group of people did not create systemic racism. Rather it: (1) is grounded in the history of our laws and institutions which were created on a foundation of white supremacy;* (2) exists in the institutions and policies that advantage white people and disadvantage people of color; and (3) takes places in interpersonal communication and behavior (e.g., slurs, bullying, offensive language) that maintains and supports systemic inequities and systemic racism.

These definitions are an excellent example of defining what racism is and how institutions maintain the ideology of white supremacy. In all honesty, no group of people is superior to any other group of people. Race is something made up by people. Scientifically we’re all part of the human race. Yet, In the United States, our entire history can be traced back to the creation of a racial caste system. Where being a wealthy white male is the pinnacle of this bullshit racial hierarchy.

This, of course, evolved over decades. It wasn’t an age of African colonization, but it was an age of European conquest. It’s why Native American Reservations exist and why there are black folks throughout all of the Americas and the Caribbean (cough, Slavery, cough). I know the Fox News, conservative podcasters, radio host, and the 4Chan crowd will claim that I’m touting history from the Howard Zinn perspective. But Mr. Zinn had a lot of research to back up his magnum opus, “A People’s History of the United States.” The funny thing is Zinn was a white male military veteran who, as a historian, called out the racist history of the United States. But I guess white is only right when it’s upholding white supremacy? To the critics of my website and writings, I did study history, and done tons of research on historical topics. Not to brag, but I know my shit, folks.

It seems like the unfounded worry of many folks who claim that there’s reverse racism against white people thanks to the secret agenda to teach all the school kids ‘critical race theory‘. (I’m sorry, CRT was only once studied by future lawyers in law school, now right-wingers have turned it to another tool in their ‘culture war’ arnsenal). In fact, most folks are just upset that their kid’s school is teaching them actual U.S. history. They’re teaching it poorly, I might add, as a former public school kid myself. But that worry is that black folks and other people of color will treat white folks the way they treated non-white people collectively over the past five hundred years in this nation. 

Or they (white people) need to feel oppressed themselves. Even if their oppression is imagined. But being on top of the social ladder for so long means that moving towards a more just society can feel like oppression to some. (Shout out to that 75% of Republicans!) When broken down by race, every social, health, and economic measurement in the United States shows white people have better outcomes and higher household wealth than non-whites and black people. Just think about all the U.S. presidents, famous actors, or CEOs that came to mind. A vast majority of them are white. I know President Obama happened (Hey Mitch McConnell, Obeezy getting elected ain’t reparations for us black folks), and even he had a white mother. It’s not like the U.S. elected Wesley Snipes as our first black president. America ain’t ready for a Blade presidency anyway. 

The world got along without race for the overwhelming majority of its history. The U.S. has never been without it.

DAVID R. ROEDIGER

To be honest, black people as a community are very welcoming to all types of people, including white folks. Black folks don’t hate all white people, but we hate racist white people. Unless your name is Kanye West .(Kayne, why you got to make Chicago look bad?) Hell, we invited whiny ass singer Justin Timberlake to the cookout back in the day. Then he threw Janet Jackson under the bus after the 2004 Super Bowl. A majority of black voters even went for a rapey racist like Jim Crow Joe Biden in 2020. Both Mr. Biden and Mr. Trump have had numerous sexual assault and harassment accusations over the years. Trump even used to be friends with the infamous pedo Jeffery Epstein. I doubt a non-white person who wanted to become POTUS could get accused of rape, or sexual harassment. Then still win a majority of votes for a four-year stay at the White House. Say what you like about Obama, but he never would have saw the presidency if someone accused him of sexual harassment.

So to the White Claw Brigade, reverse racism is make-believe, just like modern-day libertarianism. I hope we genuinely treat folks based on the content of their character versus their complexion one day soon. But that day isn’t today. I will contend that all people face struggles in their lives, no matter their race. But if you’re white, your race won’t hinder you in any aspect of life. Unless you’re trying to win the best dreadlocks competition or twerk contest. My final proof of reverse racism not being authentic is a personal example. To my white readers or haters, when the police start to tail you while you’re driving. Like me, do you think if they pull you over, you could possibly die? I’m sure the answer is no. So, I rest my muthafuckin’ case.