Why do you think many arts&science classes teach that only white people can be racist?

*piece written from an United States citizen's perspective; thus, racial categories and systems are US based.

I have to admit, even though I consider myself an open-minded, social justice seeker, that I once believed that only white people could be racist. Why? I don't know. I guess I picked up that idea after attending some of my arts&sciences classes. I was a sociology major, so I took several classes around the topics of inequality, race and gender. I loved them! I loved the lively discussions.  I enjoyed learning about cultures and ethnicities beyond the typical superficial glance we got in high school.  I loved being in a class with more than two other peopleofcolor and people of different ethnicities (the students at my college were predominantly white).  I was pleased to learn the common and usually unconscious behaviors and tactics of 'racists'. However, these classes failed me because they never debunct the myth - that only white people with their innate privileges and easily earned power could be racists.

So I left with that message. How ironic? A sociologist who wanted to improve society and make people aware of inequality, oppression and prejudice...was harboring biased beliefs. I would get upset if one of my white friends said, "Everybody is racist (which I still disagree with...everyone is probably racist/prejudice in their lifetime...use qualifications please.) Back then, I would say, "People of color cannot be racist, by definition; they do not have the same power as whites, especially blacks." Now, my mirror has been cleaned and I can see clearly now. I was wrong. I was miseducated. As an open-minded person, I always try to see all sides of the story. Even though it took a couple of years, I finally got around to researching, comparing, and analyzing different definitions of racism and prejudice. Don't get me wrong, I looked up these terms several times during my undergrad career and ran across these same explanations. However, I just went with the one I was taught in my arts&science classes as the most accurate one.

So, what's the point of this confession. If you ever find yourself in a polarized argument with people and no insights are learned, then whether you believe that you are wrong, right, or more accurate, take some time to research all the sides again. You might learn something. You might even change your position. Check out these articles about racism:

http://bit.ly/aRpoxs | FAQ 24 - Can Blacks Be Racist?

http://bit.ly/9CDdd6 | Racism | Reference

http://bit.ly/9BFssz | Only whites can be racist | Critical Mass

http://bit.ly/cKigrT |  How come only white poeple are racist. | SodaHead

http://bit.ly/bSOkjk | Is racism ONLY possible from white people or can ANY race be racist?  |   SodaHead

http://bit.ly/gkyDa |  Institutional Racism | Wiki

http://bit.ly/csWJHp |  Sociological Definition. Of Racism  |  Topix

 
I am...
human and have my own struggles,
from the universal search to find my purpose in the world
to my individual insecurities about my body and my self.
 
I am...
a women and a racial minority who cares about 'God' Davahni and ni's creations.
thus I support and keep up with many social justice causes and campaigns.
I watch the Rachel Maddow show, follow blogs, scan articles, and read books.
 
I am...
privileged and yet oppressed,
because I am a western educated woman of size with brown skin and kinky hair, who is open to loving people of different genders.
 
I am...
a media lover who listens to podcasts, watches tv, and surfs the web.
I find pleasure in many forms of mainstream media;
yet I search and hunger for the authentic words and experiences of people;
I learn, grow, and share my findings on facebook, twitter, and now this blog.
 
I am mizztcasa.