The Denial of Racism in America

By John Gray, San Pedro resident and retired probation officer

Black Africans were first brought to North America in 1619 as indentured servants who were able to eventually purchase their freedom. Circa 1690, they were asking where their freedom went. Somehow, someway, they were conscripted to work in the cotton fields of Americans southern colonies.

Black people were now in bonded slavery which continued for the next 176 years. Slavery became the peculiar institution, and yes it was peculiar. No way out, might have become right. After all, black people were subhuman anyway. Justification and dogma of the time became what we now know as racist and racism.

Slavery was simply dismissed as status quo. No one was responsible for the indignity, no blame, just the way it was. It is just routine colony business. At slavery’s end, people free people would now be subject to congressionally passed laws designed to effectively deny African Americans (now citizens) all means to compete in society to better themselves. With no recrimination, no responsibility, expected to just stay in their place and not to be seen or heard. Racism was delivered in its finest. No thought of the Christian Bible which stated to, “Love thy neighbor.”

The 1964 and 1965 Civil Rights Acts were passed which ostensibly seemed to recognize that racism did exist in the United States. But now what does the power structure do? More schools were integrated (reluctantly, more housing areas became available and more jobs were accessible to African Americans) But institutionalized racism never went away. Yet, still no one is responsible. Can it be that African Americans and other racial minorities dumped racism on themselves? From city and townships one hears, It wasn’t me.” The old, and of course the young whites say, “I wasn’t part of that.” Meaning, I have no responsibility for perpetuation of racism in America. If no one is responsible, why do we blot out, “all men are created equal?” Those who say, “I am not responsible for racism, leave me alone.” Well you’re either part of the problem or part of the solution.

We are now electing a new American president. The Republican Party has selected Donald J. Trump as its nominee. Mr. Trump makes it a point of emphasis to denigrate all minorities with racial hate speech. But he says he is not a racist. Well, Mr. Trump its 2016, why is there debate? Denial , denial, denial. Questions must be answered , “Does America want to solve its racism problem? Can American solve it racism problem? “Surely something went wrong. Someone or something is responsible and as the good doctor said, “Denial won’t help to solve the problem.”