Race Is Not A Card, Its A Reality

Friday Jun 10, 2011 – by Jamilah Lemieux

When I was a high school sophomore, I read a short bio of Huey P.Newton over my school’s loudspeaker during some sort of Black History Month activity. Later that day, my (Jewish) English teacher made a “joke” about my omission of the details of Newton’s death (he was allegedly killed while purchasing crack in 1989). I didn’t find this funny at all. Up until this point, he had been one of my favorite teachers. I decided to write him a letter expressing my feelings and at the end, I quoted Langston Hughes’ “Theme For English B:”

You are white—yet a part of me, as I am a part of you. That’s American. Sometimes perhaps you don’t want to be a part of me. Nor do I often want to be a part of you. But we are, that’s true! As I learn from you, I guess you learn from me—although you’re older—and white—and somewhat more free.

I felt mature and thoughtful…until he returned it to me with his response: “…if you play the race card, you’ll oft be ignored.”

While I understood his argument that he’d mocked the Puritans, Homer and plenty of other White folks…he’d only taught us about White folks. Most of whom were also male. This had been the case in most of my History classes as well: Whiteness at the center. So I took my opportunity to share some Black facts with my classmates very seriously. But even if the teacher couldn’t handle my critique of his words, the fact that he accused me–a 16-year-old–of “pulling the race card” upset me greatly. That was the last time I registered for one of his classes. By senior year, we no longer spoke when we passed one another in the hallway.

The “race card” is a concept that has been used to silence people of color who attempt to speak out when they feel that race has been used unfairly in determining how people are treated. It is one of the most dangerous weapons in the White privilege toolbox, for it implies that a non-POC would know better when something is truly racist than someone who is constantly subjected to racism. That said, it isn’t that people of color can never be wrong about denouncing something as racism, but that they should be treated with a level of deference when expressing their concerns. Instead of having something dismissed as someone pulling a card, these complaints should be respectfully analyzed and received. If someone is truly committed to being non-racist, the appropriate reaction to a charge of racism is “I don’t feel like what I did was racist. Can you help me understand why you feel that way?”, not accusing someone of using race to be manipulative or deceitful.

But, alas, in a world of White privilege where is the incentive to say “You’re right, that was racist of me”? or “I didn’t mean to be racially insensitive”? And for even those who pride themselves in being non-racist, where would a non-Black person be taught the difference? If racism doesn’t negatively impact you in a very obvious way, it’s quite a task to say, “hey, let me learn about this so I make sure that I’m not out here supporting an unfair system of advantage that benefits me.”

It’s an amazingly duplicitous thing, to flip racism around so that the person who is the victim now looks like the guilty party because of their observations of someone’s behavior. A Black woman who feels that she has been passed over for a raise because of her background may be told that she is ‘pulling the race card’ and that racism will never end so long as people like her “see race in everything.” But how can you not see something that is constantly there?

The race card concept implies that the true racial power in this country lies in the hands of minorities, and that as soon as we “cry racism,” we will then be allowed to get away with anything or to unjustly persecute innocent White people. This is so infrequently the case. We holler “race” because so often it IS about race. While racism should not instill in Black folks a sense of paranoia, we must be constantly diligent and aware of how we are being treated. I do not wish to be color-blind. I am glad that I am aware of the racial climate that I live in, so that I may arm myself accordingly for whatever may come my way. We will never end or even lessen racism so long as we are made to be afraid to challenge it. Thus, I understand that the “race card” that I carry is not some get-out-of-culpability trump card, but instead, a challenging reality that I have been dealt.

Isis says:

June 11, 2011 at 7:43 pm

Love it!!!

↑ Reply

Joseph says:

June 12, 2011 at 10:24 am

Some white people are sensitive to the plight of AA’s. These white people know that white-American racism is a mentality with deep historical roots; they appreciate that this mentality which justified 400 years of slavery and 100 years of mandatory segregation cannot possibly be eradicated within 50 years; and they bravely speak-up on AA’s behalf when other whites spout charlatan foolishness about a post-racial society. These white people are truly awesome. Sadly however, most white people do not fall into this group. Instead, most white are… (how do I put this delicately?)… stupid. And by stupid, I mean that despite the clear, incontrovertible evidence to the contrary, they fail to appreciate the reality of race relations or the reality that most AA’s face on a daily basis. The best (non-lethal) weapon to fight these people is knowledge. If you are smarter than them, and can articulate yourself in a way that exposes their stupidity (without making you look mean) then even if you don’t enlighten their dull minds, they will at least be forced to respect you. In my experience, whenever some ignorant or arrogant classmate or acquaintance starts talking about “playing the race card” I will respond by citing no fewer than 3 recent examples of clear acts of racism—it helps to have 5 or more. People can be dismissive of your feelings, but it’s harder for them to dismiss current events. Also, citing the plight of other minority groups outside America gives weight to our arguments as AA’s. For example, in addition to enslaving Africans, white-Europeans also wreaked havoc on the Native Americans through genocide and displacement. Fast-forward 500 years and in Canada, the jails and the ghettos are also filled with minorities. But their minorities aren’t blacks, they’re Native Americans. Co-incidence?…Sike.

ilovemybabymama says:

June 12, 2011 at 1:09 pm

This was a wonderfullly written sentiment that I oft have not been able to articulate myself. It often baffles me how people who aren’t living the reality of being a minority in the U.S. are so blind to how that reality shapes our every day experiences and our perceptions of how we are treated.

LaBimmer says:

June 12, 2011 at 3:16 pm

Your article is refreshing and to the point. I read an interesting quote on the cover of Bill Withers album “Live at Carnegie Hall”. He and his friend were talking about this same thing one day, and the friend asked Bill: “How do you eat an elephant?” Like me, Bill said he didn’t know. His friend responded, “One bite at a time”. That’s how I’ve learned to deal with issues that I perceived as racially-based. Step to the person and not spend the rest of my life “hating”. Thanks Jamilah, great article.

Lisa says:

June 12, 2011 at 6:38 pm

This was such a well-written and fair article. Thanks very much for it.

Girl says:

June 12, 2011 at 10:14 pm

I completely agree wth this article. Gosh I no longer argue with white people about anything because this is all they ever respond with. Bloody morons I tell you. So insensitive and disgusting. You should see how many of them HATE Tim Wise cos he’s the only white man that has ever bothered to challenge the status quo
As for that teacher, I always find it HILARIOUS when jews of ALL people try to be slick when it comes to racial matters concerning black people. What a prick.

Mike Burger says:

June 12, 2011 at 10:35 pm

Very well written article. The fact is we still live in a VERY RACIST society in which the “race card” comment is used to muzzle many legitimate claims of racism. To prove that the majority of most white people harbor racist self-defeating feelings that is designed to preserve a system of white privilege that actually works against them, just look at the 2008 Presidential election. Contrary to popular belief amongst all Americans, President Barack Obama LOST the overall white vote……. meaning that in spite of a falling economy, unemployment at record highs, housing market in free fall, 401K’s in the dump, limited healthcare for most, multiple unpaid wars being waged….. THE MAJORITY of all white people DID NOT VOTE FOR President Obama…. meaning they vote for John McCain & Sarah Palin. That is a pathetic and extremely sad commentary on the psyche of the majority of all white people. I can see if the republicans had a proven legitimate strategy to turn this country around, but they didn’t.

“Obama got 53 percent of the broad electorate to vote for him but only 43 percent of the white electorate.”

So to burst all of your black bubble’s with education, master degree’s and the illusion of inclusion, the fact is the over whelming majority of white people could not bring themselves to voting for a man who looks just like you. This isn’t opinion yall, this fact. This was due impart mainly to the fact most whites are illogical racist and are terrified at being “found out” that they are. Not all white people are racist, but most are, even if they don’t know it.

If you’re interested in learning more about how the majority of ALL white people (who are poor and barely middle class) DID NOT vote for Obama, check out this article in on Slate.com

http://www.slate.com/id/2204251/

JustSaying... says:

June 12, 2011 at 11:01 pm

This comment proves my point. When given the opportunity black people will claim racism on damn near any and everything.

“The fact is we still live in a VERY RACIST society in which the “race card” comment is used to muzzle many legitimate claims of racism.”

Part of the problem: It’s HARD to tell the difference between legitimate claims of racism and FALSE claims of racism. Why? Because black people bring race into almost every situation–even those NOT involving race.

If you actually did YOUR research you would see that a LARGE percentage of whites identify with the REPUBLICAN party and it has been that way for some time now….

http://www.outsidethebeltway.com/republican_party_of_whites/

Here is a newsflash: THE MAJORITY OF WHITES DID NOT VOTE FOR JOHN KERRY EITHER.

It amazing that black people expect white people, who have been voting for the Republican party for YEARS, to simply exit the party and vote for Obama. Why would they? He, like John Kerry before him, doesn’t reflect their interest or share their views. Yes many of them lost money in their 401k and yes many of them were hit hard by the fall of the economy, but let’s be honest here: This is the group that tends to bounce back the fastest.

So to burst your bubble back: There is MORE that goes into political ideology than just race. Religion, socialization, economy, etc are all part of our political ideology. To say that the majority of whites didn’t vote for Obama simply because he is black is off target. In all likelihood some probably didn’t vote for him because he is black. However the reality is MANY didn’t vote for John Kerry either and the last time I checked he is a WHITE man.

The Democrat party has been losing voters for some time now and it has NOTHING to do with race as most of their candidates have been WHITE. I’m waiting for the day to come when black people recognize that it’s not just whites who are not voting Democrat.
Mike Burger says:

June 13, 2011 at 12:43 am

@Just Saying- Regardless of if it’s Barack Obama or any candidate (white black or otherwise) who is considered “liberal”, it is contradictory, illogical and self defeating for a Christian, progressive, moral, poor or middle class white person to vote for a “conservative” politician. Most whites have been against voting democrat (post 1964) because they are afraid of losing their advantage in a white privilege world. The mentality has always been in their mind “If a black man is winning, then that has to mean that I as a white man is loosing.” Most whites who are racist don’t even realize that they are racist. Even their world view tells them that they are they are the majority while they are only 5% of the world’s population. We’re even taught that genetic defects and deficiencies such as blond hair, blue eyes are colorless skin are “better than”.

Now granted, there are times that the “race card” will be used by those of color in instances where it is subjective to one’s own perception where indeed it might not actually be racist. But to say that a few false or questionable claims of racism are just cause to now negate the majority of all calls of racism is foolish, dangerous and naive.

But I invite you to re-inflate my intellectual bubble with your wisdom. Please tell me why would a white person who on average earns $33K per year according to BLS, who barely has health coverage, who is dependent on America’s safety net of social programs more than any other race, who depends on public education to educate their children, who depends on American companies to employ them, and who are seconds away from financial disaster would vote for a republican who have waged all out war against the poor and middle class citizens of this country through their draconian policies? Why would anyone vote against their own best interest knowing they would be economically, socially and spiritually compromised? What does that say for the psychological health of a people who would prefer to let the entire house burn all because the fire extinguisher might accidentally save a person with color possession’s. The republican party are seeking to defund every social program aside from the military giving enormous tax breaks to the top 1% of income earners while taxing the heck out of the average white person’s measly $33K per year? That economic strategy has been proven proven not to work.

And please DO NOT tell me that it’s about being “Christian” because please tell me what Jesus Christ you know is against healthcare for the poor, tax cuts for the rich, an increasing wealth gap between rich and poor and being a strong advocate for the powerful and elite, while gutting every social program to help the poor and down trodden. What happened to the meaning behind Jesus’ words in Matthew 25:40?

Please JustSaying enlighten me with your “fact based” position. Nothing that I have said is “opinion” my friend. It is all based on facts and logic. I would like to say that about yours. When you said “There is MORE that goes into political ideology than just race. Religion, socialization, economy, etc are all part of our political ideology.” You are indeed correct, but to add some depth to your shallow waters, all that you have mentioned and included as “MORE” are all based and rooted in a system of white supremacy and privilege. Religion, socialization and the economy have all been predicated and shaped based on race in America. EVERY ONE OF THOSE. Please lets learn history and use facts to articulate and formulate our thoughts.

So JustSaying, if this illogical behavior that has been outlined here is not based on race as you have suggested, then what is it based on? Please share!!!!

Also, for the record according to the Census, the white vote will become less and less important as white become the new minority voting block in this country.
M. Walk says:

June 15, 2011 at 8:17 pm

According to the Slate article you sent us to, “Obama won a larger proportion of white votes than any previous nonincumbent Democratic presidential candidate since Carter. “

Erin says:

June 13, 2011 at 6:37 pm

Well said! Thanks for giving me some additional language to use with my fellow white people. Most of us wish it were better between us all, and it’s not going to hurt anyone to listen to another person’s experience.

Paigington says:

June 13, 2011 at 9:58 pm

“Hitting the nail on the head” I’m not alone… Sharing this article with my class.

Larry Yates says:

June 14, 2011 at 9:06 am

Excellent piece. I hope this becomes the definitive piece on the bogus and offensive “race card” claim. As a white person, I have learned an enormous amount by simply trying to be respectful rather than dismissive. We assume auto mechanics, wine store owners, etc. know things we don’t, but somehow many white people assume they know more about race than people of color, who experience its effects directly.

Mike Burger says:

June 14, 2011 at 11:16 am

@ Larry Yates – On behalf of most people of color I want to say thank you brother for those words. Unfortunately people who think like you are not in the majority. It is extremely arrogant for me to tell you or anyone how loud you are allowed to holler as a result of my offense against you. But sadly, as a result of a world that is pretty much seen and told through the eyes of a white Euro centric perspective, the majority of white people don’t have the humility realize that they aren’t the final answer. Understanding a person’s experience through their perspective takes humility, respect, and a moral orientation that isn’t centered around self. Keep up the good work Larry…..For Real.

John says:

June 14, 2011 at 2:53 pm

Just a small correction: *It’s A Reality (with an apostrophe)

This is really a great article. As a person of color living in a predominately white community, I find myself really identifying with some of the feelings you have eluded to here. I find it somewhat ironic but also saddening that the majority of people who know what “white privilege” means are non-white people. For a white person, it’s certainly easy to dismiss the “race card” and assert their social privilege over another person of another race, as your teacher did. I only hope that more people of color will be more active and outspoken about voicing their concerns and not being silenced by accusations of taking advantage of the “race card.” Thanks for this.

Dari says:

June 16, 2011 at 6:00 pm

Unfortunately, we are always insensitive about the things we are not! That happens regardless of race, age, economic backgrounds, etc. Great article. Thank you!

Jamie says:

June 17, 2011 at 5:56 pm

I loved the piece. Thank you, Jamilah, for your always-thoughtful and poignant voice. I quoted the piece in my recent reflections on power and voice. I hope others find it useful.

http://changefromwithin.org/2011/06/16/power-voice-and-the-race-card/

Brian says:

June 20, 2011 at 12:16 pm

You gave your teacher the “cold shoulder”, something small children do, because he simply pointed out a fact that you didn’t mention? I agree that a person in his position should have worded his statement more carefully, but if you want people to understand and level with you, you must first give all the facts. You cannot hide certain elements of a story, hoping to aid your cause by doing so. That will always hurt the cause you are attempting to aid.

It is interesting that now there is a “reverse race card”. People are so quick to blame others for their problems (and sometimes it is completely justified) before looking at themselves and how they have caused something. I’m not sure what world you are living in Jamilah, but racism is taken very seriously in legitimate workplaces (where you had hypothesized that a black woman was passed up on a raise due to her back round). Why does the pass up have to be because of her back round? Could it not be because of perhaps a lack of people skills, a lack of dedication on her part, or maybe that she comes to work late everyday?

I am not supporting the methods that your teacher used, but you should listen to him. When you sit behind a computer screen and write articles about how mistreated you are because of your skin color or back round, take some time to think about some other possible reasons people could be mistreating you.

Girl says:

June 20, 2011 at 12:48 pm

gtfo with that garbage. why should the cause of his death be mentioned when the point of her reading was to let others know of his contributions to the community?
she cold shouldered him because he was a prick and so are you coming here wth your white privilege BS

‘Why does the pass up have to be because of her back round? Could it not be because of perhaps a lack of people skills, a lack of dedication on her part, or maybe that she comes to work late everyday? ”

This comment is very telling. Look at the excuses that you gave for her this woman being passed over for a raise. Should I be surprised there are all stereotypes used against black people.

Bloody troll.

June 20, 2011 at 1:40 pm

@girl
Actually, I am African-American. And I was not stereotyping anybody, just pointing out some possible reasons that she could have been passed up. They were possible reasons for ANYBODY. I suggest you calm down, and try to act like a human being. Maybe then your words will have impact on people.

P.S. I think it’s ironic that you assumed I am white, just because I wrote a comment with an opposing view. Looks to me like you want to be the victim.