The Simple and Handy Guide to Whether or Not You are Racist*

The recent political climate has stirred up a great deal of conversation and debate on-line.  Much of that debate has been about what does or does not constitute being racist.  I can’t even count how many times I’ve heard someone say, “Trump isn’t racist, he just…” and then ends the sentence with some obviously racist behavior, idea, or statement.  People have bantered back and forth about whether or not supporting a racist constitutes being a racist.  So, in the interest of clarity, I thought I would create this helpful guide, so that everyone could be clear on whether or not they are, in fact, racist.

There is a lot to digest.  Let’s take this in steps.  First, let’s clear up what is NOT a factor.

Whether or not you identify as racist is not important.  As confusing as this is in modern times, this is not a scenario in which you get to choose how you identify.  Gender identity and racial identity are both constructs where the degree to which you identify with a thing impacts your falling into certain categories.  However, the degree to which you identify as racist is of absolutely no consequence.  While many racist people are proud to be so, many are not.  In fact, many actively deny their racist tendencies.  Because being racist tends to be frowned upon in most circles, many people see racism as not socially acceptable.  Being racist makes you a bad person.  Nobody really ever believes they are a bad person, so even people who ARE racist don’t always claim it.  Still, being racist is a function of your thoughts, speech, and actions.  Not claiming your status as racist doesn’t change much.  In fact, it only causes more confusion for your friends. 

Likewise, realizing that your thoughts, words, and actions are racist is also not required.   Often times, racist people will say or do racist things and then attempt to claim that those things are not racist.  It is often out of sincere lack of insight that these people don’t recognize the racist nature of their behavior.  But, this lack of insight is of little consequence.  In this case, think of it like breaking the law.  Ignorance is not innocence. 

Having Black friends means absolutely nothing.  If I had a nickel for every time someone explained away their racist behavior by inserting the fact that they have a Black friend into the conversation, I could retire to a beach house in Maui.  But, that Black friend of yours can’t erase your racism. In truth, mentioning said friend really only increases the likelihood that your racist behavior will be identified as such.  Those in the know have long recognized your counting of Black friends as racist behavior.  If you can count your Black friends, that doesn’t mean you aren’t racist.  It just means you need more friends. 

Prefacing your words or actions with “I’m not racist, but…” is equally informative but just as irrelevant as your Black friend count. We’ve already covered the fact that one can do racist things while not identifying as racist.  It is also well known that “I’m not racist, but…” is code for “I’m about to say something racist.”  Please do try to remember that the next time you shout out the universal sign for, “Hey everyone, listen to my racist statement.”

Okay, now that we’ve covered what is NOT a factor in determining whether or not you are racist, lets talk about how to determine whether or not you ARE in fact racist.  The following is a very simple guide that you an follow in order to make your determination.

Do you say or do racist stuff?  Do you allow your racist thoughts to influence important decisions? Do you avoid people of color in order to avoid saying or doing racist stuff?  If so, you are racist.  Keep in mind, as we have discussed, you may very well have absolutely no insight about this.  It is best that you do not simply rely on your instincts.  Ask a friend of color that you trust.  If you do not trust any people of color, you are racist.  If you do not have any friends of color, you are probably racist.  If you have friends of color, and they avoid having this conversation with you, you are probably racist.  If you have friends of color, and they say you sometimes do racist stuff even though they know you mean well, believe them.  Try to stop doing the resist stuff.  If, by chance, you have friends of color, and they say you are definitely not racist, consider whether or not you have any power over them.  Are they your subordinates at work?  Are they your son-in-law?  If so, ask someone else.  If after taking all of these steps, you still have reason to believe you are not racist, God bless America! 

Do people of color regularly tell you that the things you say or do are racist?  Keep in mind, whether or not you agree with them doesn’t actually matter in making this decision.  We are going to lean on their expertise.  Just trust them.  If the answer is yes, you are racist.  Period. 

Do white people tell you that you are racist?  If this is the case, sit down and think about your life.  You have crossed a line.  For white people who are not impacted by your racism to take the time to tell you about your racist behavior, it had to have been so bad as to offend even them.  This is serious.  Go see a doctor.  Preferably a psychologist or counselor. (No, I do not want to take your case.  Thanks anyway though.)

Okay, so that’s it!  It’s actually quite simple, once you understand the rules.  Use this guide to avoid arguments and confusion.  Apply these simple rules and know the truth.  Now, it’s important to understand that racism is not terminal.  It is not even permanent.  The cure for racism is actually quite simple.  Stop saying and doing racist stuff.  You can still have racist thoughts.  That is almost impossible to avoid.  But, if you avoid allowing those thoughts to influence your words and actions, you are no longer BEING racist.  That’s the important part. 

I hope this guide is helpful.  Good luck out there.  Despite what our current political climate might imply, being racist isn’t a good thing.  Stay strong. 

*Note:  The word "racist" is used as a placeholder.  It could easily be replaced with sexist, homophobic, xenophobic, stupid, or various other problematic constructs.  Please read accordingly.