Ignoring racism won’t fix racism: A response to Robyn Blumner's misguided essay

The Friendly Atheist, By Bakari Chavanu and Hemant Mehta, on Aug 13, 2024

https://www.friendlyatheist.com/p/ignoring-racism-wont-fix-racism-a


Bakari Shabanu, a Black atheist humanist, critiques Robert Blumer's editorial on secular humanism and the notion of a colorblind society. Blumer argues for a society that overlooks race, believing that focusing on race perpetuates division and reverse racism. However, Shabanu contends that this approach disregards the realities of systemic racism and the historical context of Black empowerment movements. He argues that dismissing race as a crucial factor undermines efforts to address racial injustice, especially given the ongoing struggles faced by marginalized communities. Shabanu’s criticism highlights the importance of acknowledging race in the fight against inequality, rather than adopting a colorblind ideology that can inadvertently support the status quo.

The discussion further delves into the puzzling concept of "Black Supremacy," a term that appears unfounded and misleading. The speakers express confusion over its meaning, noting that it seems to be a straw man argument used to suggest that Black empowerment is a form of supremacy over other races. However, they argue that Black people do not hold systemic power over others, making the concept of Black supremacy a baseless and inflammatory term. Instead, movements like Black Power aim to combat systemic racism, not to establish dominance over other groups. The discussion critiques the notion of reverse racism, suggesting that it distracts from meaningful conversations about addressing systemic inequities.

The group also critiques the language used by Blumer, particularly his use of the phrase "colorblind society." They argue that this term, often used by those who wish to downplay the significance of race, is disingenuous. By advocating for colorblindness, Blumer and others like him are accused of ignoring the ongoing issues of racial injustice and the lived experiences of marginalized groups. The speakers point out that advocating for a colorblind society, while claiming to promote equality, often serves to minimize the struggles of Black people and other minorities. This, they argue, aligns with white supremacist talking points, which seek to erase the realities of racism under the guise of equality.

The conversation concludes with a reflection on the frustration some feel about the continued focus on race. While some may wish to move beyond racial discussions, the speakers emphasize that systemic issues cannot be resolved without addressing the role of race in society. They liken the call for colorblindness to the way corporations shift responsibility for recycling onto individuals, thereby avoiding accountability. Ultimately, they argue that meaningful change requires acknowledging and addressing the systemic factors that perpetuate racial disparities, rather than adopting a colorblind approach that ignores the root causes of inequality. 

The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.34.3 featuring Cynthia, Phil the Skeptic Atheist, Rob (Robert Croy) and Phoebe Rose

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