Why do non-blacks play the Race Card?
This morning, I read several comments about the race card and how our President, lacking leadership, uses the race card. This got me wondering, what is the race card, and why do non-blacks play the race card?
The ‘race card’ is a label used by non-blacks to silence blacks (meaning people of color #POC). It comes up in any discussion in which non-blacks are uncomfortable or if non-blacks wish to discredit and trivialize the concerns of black people in regards to race. Why is that? Why can’t black people be given the same tolerance and respect for their opinions without the label?
This morning, someone referred to comments about race as “weeds” that should be ignored. What does that say about this person’s views?
Why can’t non-blacks respect and tolerate all opinions? Opinions hold keys to understanding cultures, or, rather, people. Moreover, we are not clones–at least some of us are not. In addition, expressing opinions are great ways to interact, get to know each other, and build meaningful relationships. If the discussion is not about race, non-blacks simply listen to the concerns and educate blacks by providing other lenses or narratives to view the situation. Everyone will learn a few things, gain better understandings of each other, and pave the way for trusting collaborative multi-cultural and diverse partnerships—even friendships.
Labels that discredit, disrespect, and serve to reinforce stereotypes and hatred of blacks are not effective or inclusive, but, rather, very divisive. Black people will never return to the days of ‘white is right’ because ‘white is not right.’ Labels such as “race card” will only irritate, frustrate, and inflame us.
In my opinion, many non-blacks should learn to communicate with others who are not their clones.
And to answer the question on the minds of these non-blacks: why do blacks play the race card? We value cultures and people; we value our opinions. In other words, we do not play the race card.
Powerful question and post. I “think” a lot of people use it to further their own agenda. It slants the other person in a pejorative to gain or win position, whether ego, argumentative, political, etc. To elaborate on your opinion, mine would be many people (probably most) should learn to communicate authentically, and drop the agendas. Thanks for a stimulating post. Paulette
Thank you, Paulette. Glad you appreciated the perspective–one I just recently appreciated.
You just inspired a food for thought, 😀 Thank you!
-Angela