For years Americans have been fighting over a silly little concept. Is racism is embedded in the fabric of our country? About 5 years ago the topic was front and center in a lot of debates. There were two trains of thought:

(1) Americans who believe our country’s foundation is based in racism recognize the journey of Black folks. African Americans have lived experience dealing with racism at its base level. History supports this, which is why racism is so recognized within the community. We normalized / ignore micro aggressions throughout our normal day, and we rely on the monumental standard the Civil Rights movement in the 60s afforded us. We seen it before, and we are living it now.

(2) Americans who opposed the idea that racism is infused in America use the following arguments. “Slavery and racism is in the past - get over it”, “you were never a slave”, and “I’m not my ancestors.” They want to move beyond it, they believe by identifying current racist activity we continue down a road that would not allow us to heal. Acknowledging it keeps us stuck, and accentuates the barriers to progress.

I once heard an old man say “There is a little bit of truth in every argument, even one that is a lie.” My opinion on the matter, lies in the optimism of the American promise. I believe that both thought patterns are true. However, I don’t have the convenience of time, power and giving the benefit of the doubt. I have to assess history, current news and what I see everyday with my own eyes. With the current administration at the helm, the veil has been pulled back, the cat is out of the bag, and the mystery is solved. We were and are a country that is based in a racist ideology.

Let’s dive into a few examples of why racism is woven into the fabric of American culture from a chronological perspective.

Past

In my opinion, throughout American history, two pivotal events illustrate that the nation was founded on a racist ideology. The institution of slavery, which began in the early 17th century and persisted for over two centuries, was not merely a system of forced labor but a foundation upon which the American economy was built. The dehumanization of African slaves was codified in laws and societal norms, reflecting a belief in white superiority. Additionally, the Indian Removal Act of 1830 epitomizes the systemic racism entrenched in American policy, as it forcibly displaced thousands of Native Americans from their ancestral lands, justified by a doctrine that considered indigenous peoples as obstacles to progress. These events reveal a troubling legacy where racism was not only tolerated but institutionalized, shaping the very fabric of American society.

Present

In recent years, the Trump administration has exhibited racism through both policy and rhetoric. One glaring example is the "Muslim Ban," officially known as Executive Order 13769, which targeted individuals from predominantly Muslim countries, perpetuating a narrative that framed Muslims as dangerous and unwelcome. This policy was criticized for its blatant discrimination and the fear it instilled in millions. Additionally, the administration's response to the Black Lives Matter movement, which often downplayed systemic racism and police brutality, revealed a political stance that prioritized maintaining the status quo over addressing racial inequality. These actions reflect an alarming trend toward xenophobia and racial insensitivity, echoing historical patterns of discrimination.

Future

To combat racism effectively, all Americans can adopt two major strategies. First, engaging in active education about the history and impact of racism is crucial; understanding the systemic nature of racial inequities empowers individuals to recognize and challenge discriminatory practices in their communities. Second, fostering open dialogues about race within families, workplaces, and social circles can create a culture of accountability and support. By encouraging conversations that address biases and promote empathy, Americans can work collaboratively towards dismantling the structures that uphold racism, fostering a more inclusive society for all.

Conclusion

There is none. Our society was founded on a racist ideology - full stop. Over the years Americans were forced to accept our differences, within very different frameworks. Some have elevated mindsets by trying to infuse a common goal that is inclusive to all races by resetting our country's rules to apply to all. Our better selves hi-jacked the standard of our forefathers "liberty and justice for all" and applied that American concept to everyone, not just land owning white men. The lofty idea is why we are here today, some say it's cool to be racist now. They are proud to point out differences, and promote isolationism. They use phrases like taking back America and make America great. They ban books and speak of nationalism as if it only applies to a certain group of people. Let's face it racism is as American as apple pie and baseball. However, so is struggle, perseverance, pride and excellence. The two concepts exist and have survived together as the American experiment. It is up to each of us to decide what side of history we contribute our energy.

Thomas Y. Lynch

"it may not be possible to live in a country where all of us are treated equally, but not pursuing it will be the death of America."

A look at the history of racism in America and its role in today's divisions