My White Friend Doesn’t Believe In Systemic Racism

And Here Is ONE of the Texts I Sent Her

Brief Context

One of my close friends — for over 10 years — and I recently started chatting about racism and equality after all of the events took place in 2020.

What bothers me about some of her opinions and information is that she gets them from only white people or Candace Owens (who only offers a skewed view on racism). Furthermore, she does not really have any Black friends (except one other she told me about), and I know that she will never truly understand what many Black people go through because her circle is limited to mainly white privileged people.

We’ve been on the topic of systemic racism for a while now, and I want to understand her POV. You might ask me why I’m still friends with her. Well, I like to give people a chance. I also want to help her understand systemic racism from a person of color because I’m probably one of the few people who will ever take the time to do this due to her limited and exclusive circle.

Her Message

Disclaimer: This message is missing some context because this has been an ongoing conversation for several months.

Respectfully D, I do not understand how you can say this, that “there is no argument…” for police perpetrating systematic racism. This had been PREACHED by mainstream media, with no evidence. This is what BLM rioters screamed in the streets last year when they burned down multiple businesses.

This is what democratic politicians have claimed. After the Capital riots, Biden claimed that if the rioters were black, this [their gentle response to the mostly white rioters] would not have happened because the police would have been more aggressive in pushing them back. However, he stated that they did not because they are systematically racist. This has been a foundational point of the Biden/ Harris Administration on the campaign trail and now, still, in office.

It is a blatant lie.

My Response

Systemic Racism & Law Enforcement

Do you know the history of the Klansmen and how they partnered with police to perpetuate their racist agenda? It's profitable to put people in prison; it’s free labor. Where are you getting your information?

I know a lot of Back people and families who have been affected by systemic racism. It’s personal for me.

Have you been affected by systemic racism? Or do you have anyone you know affected by it because that can also limit your understanding of the issues if your circle is limited?

I don’t think dealing with racist people is an excuse not to succeed in life. But it can definitely f*ck your chances, and I’ve seen this happen with close friends of mine. I have a coworker with a family member that was accidentally killed by the police. Do you know how often this story happens [which recently happened AGAIN with the Daunte Wright shooting — may he rest in peace]? I also know a black man who was given 10 years for kicking a white woman in the ass [not condoning the behavior but mind you, this was a big woman]. And then I hear about white males raping women who get off with NOTHING. Why the disparity [this kind of sh*t is infuriating]?

I will tell you why: money, race, and power. Some things just can't be denied.

No, not every police officer is racist. In fact, I have a friend who is a policeman. But law enforcement provides the perfect forum for abuse of power — especially for people of color.

Information Sources

I don’t get my statistics from the news; I read and watch documentaries, and not by just white people because their knowledge will ALWAYS be limited since they aren’t black. I try to avoid the news because a lot of it is inflated and negative. But facts are facts.

The Evolution of Slavery In The Modern World

Slavery → convict leasing → disproportionate mass incarceration of minorities for minor offenses → GPS monitoring, house arrest, ankle/wrist monitors, etc.

Are White People Lynched As Often As Blacks?

In 1937, a bill to finally ban the lynching of African-Americans was considered by the senate, but it didn’t pass. A bill like this was never considered for white people because white people didn’t need it.

Politics

I don’t know much about Biden or Kamala Harris, but I know they are trying to actively help communities of color from a broader standpoint. I don’t fully support any politician, though. They’re just regular people who can only do so much.

Documentary Recommendation

It would be beyond beneficial for you to watch the 13th documentary by Ava DuVernay. It gives you everything you need to know in about an hour. It’s short and sweet. Though I can’t watch it again; I can only handle so much repetition of Black trauma.

Closing Thoughts

African-Americans come from different backgrounds. It’s something that can’t be denied. Once many Caucasian people realize that many black people don’t share equal experiences in America with white people and are playing catch up due to limited opportunities and discrimination (both biased & unbiased), we can make even more ground together!!

I am still open to your opinions and thoughts. I appreciate and welcome them, and I am glad we are still having this conversation. I really want to understand your POV.

White Lives Matter Black Lives Matter Blue Lives Matter Asian Lives Matter Latin Lives Matter All Lives Matter

Educating White People & Non-Black Ethnicities

It’s not our [African Americans & other ethnicities that fall under African and Black] responsibility to educate white Americans and other non-black ethnicities on our experience, but sometimes we got to take on the burden to bring about change more quickly.

Whoever experiences the pain has a greater sense of urgency for relief.

What’s happened since this piece was published?

Other Black Stuff

Destiny S. Harris is a writer, poet, entrepreneur, teacher, and techie who offers free books daily on amazon. Destiny obtained three degrees in political science, psychology, and women’s studies. Follow her on Instagram, Facebook, or @ destinyh.com

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