White People and Their Relationship to Racism

One of the great incorrect assumptions on race in America is that there are two groups- racists and non-racists. While this may be the final outcome of most attitudes on race, it's a misunderstanding of race relations in America. In fact, most white people fit into one of three groups.

1. Outright racists- This group is the smallest of the three, but it's growing increasingly loud. Ku Klux Klan members, white nationalists, and just about any hate group member fits into this group. This group was the most defeated by the Civil Rights movement of the 1950's and 60's, but it's the most emboldened by Donald Trump.
2. The racially tolerant- This is the second largest group and encompasses most of those who support Civil Rights movements today. This group is currently the weakest though. They are the least loud or growing.
3. The indifferent- These folks don't necessarily hold "hate" in their hearts towards minorities. They are living comfortably though, and don't really feel like discussing race relations in America. Some may realize the gravity of the racial situation in America, some may not, but the outcome of their inaction is continued oppression.

The first group is loud, but somewhat marginalized in today's America. The second group is more numerous, but is the hardest to grow enthusiasm for- it's asking people who don't have a personal stake in fighting for increased Civil Rights for all, to suddenly care. The third group is where the danger is though. It is fairly easy for white people to decide not to care about Civil Rights issues, it doesn't take being racist to do so. It just means resorting to your comfort, your privilege, and ignoring the plight of other people. It means saying that police brutality towards African-Americans, or deportation for the DREAMers is a "distraction." It means those on the left telling the Democratic Party to "forget identity politics." It means centering the issues of one's self over those that are matters of life and death for people of color. This is happening- a lot. It's probably more damaging than even the marches being carried out by the guys with Confederate flags and hoods on.