Addressing Racism and Discrimination

Awa has compiled excerpts from a presentation and discussion she led recently about racism and discrimination for Brooklyn Public Library. 

Origins of Racism

The origins of white supremacy and racism in the United States are centuries old, dating to 1619, when enslaved people were brought from Africa to the Virginia colony. 

Fast forward to the era of entertainment, two centuries later.  Blackface was highly common on television. African-Americans were depicted to look and act like monkeys. I never noticed this until someone pointed it  out: clowns, with their afros, big lips and wide smiles, mock Black people's appearances. 

These caricatures were also used to sell products. Aunt Jemima, for example, was not a real person. She was created from a steroetypical depiction of a Black woman.

Myths of White Supremacy

Myth #1: It’s always intentional.
White supremacy happens all around us and we don’t even notice. For example, a Black employee wearing dreadlocks might not be seen as “professional” based on white standards.

Myth #2: It is only upheld by white people.
BIPOC may feel the need to conform to white standards, and separate themselves from their own racial identity for personal gain.  

Colorism

Colorism can also be a form of white supremacy. Colorism is prejudice or discrimination against individuals with a dark skin tone, typically among people of the same ethnic or racial group. We see this in many countries.

In Brazil, the murder rate is higher for people with darker skin.

In Korea, pale skin is favored as a beauty standard.

In many African countries skin bleaching and skin-lightening products are more and more common.

In China, it’s said that darker skin is associated with a lower income and class. 

Statistics

As of 2020, unemployment rates between minorities and white people had a HUGE GAP, with higher rates of unemployment, homelessness, uninsured health care and poverty for minorities.

Discrimination

Don’t forget how many BIPOC we lost this year due to violence resulting from racist beliefs, especially from police violence. 

 It’s 2021. We need to come together now more than ever. Let’s hope we can change for the better.

Books and Booklists to check out on bklynlibrary.org!

Stamped by Ibram X.Kendi
A history of racist and anti-racist ideas in America. 

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