I'm not saying do nothing and hope the problem goes away. I'm saying find ways to specify the exact problem rather than using a term that just gets peoples backs up. It's a conversation stopper, not starter. The term totally 'others' the person it is directed to. It's seen as irredeemable. Solving problems by building alliances require…
I'm not saying do nothing and hope the problem goes away. I'm saying find ways to specify the exact problem rather than using a term that just gets peoples backs up. It's a conversation stopper, not starter. The term totally 'others' the person it is directed to. It's seen as irredeemable. Solving problems by building alliances requires specificity, not generalized (and therefore meaningless) labeling. So yes, the murder of Amaud Arbery was absolutely racist. As is redlining, and some parts of anti-immigration rhetoric. But using that word for what is systemic bias that may not have specific current racist intent, dilutes the term and does NOT make people see the light. So, for example, is test-based admission to gifted student programs racist? How about a tax on groceries? Increased funding for the police? Outlawing menthol cigarettes (this is currently controversial within the CBC) ?
I'm not saying do nothing and hope the problem goes away. I'm saying find ways to specify the exact problem rather than using a term that just gets peoples backs up. It's a conversation stopper, not starter. The term totally 'others' the person it is directed to. It's seen as irredeemable. Solving problems by building alliances requires specificity, not generalized (and therefore meaningless) labeling. So yes, the murder of Amaud Arbery was absolutely racist. As is redlining, and some parts of anti-immigration rhetoric. But using that word for what is systemic bias that may not have specific current racist intent, dilutes the term and does NOT make people see the light. So, for example, is test-based admission to gifted student programs racist? How about a tax on groceries? Increased funding for the police? Outlawing menthol cigarettes (this is currently controversial within the CBC) ?