Dispatch #412: Some Thoughts on Racism

 

  Recently, an online controversy erupted when right-wingers angrily rejected the notion that Black folks can't be racist. As I see it, their problem stems from a continued refusal to acknowledge systemic racism. 

  Look, Black folks can exhibit racial prejudice against white folks, but while such behavior is bigotry, it isn't racism, for the simple fact that racism = prejudice + power.

 For Blacks to be considered racist, they would have to systemically benefit from that bigotry, and in the history of the USA, only one group has ever benefitted from such a system: white folks. 

  Of course, right-wingers also like to whine about "racism against white people"— which is not only something that doesn't exist (see the helpful formula two paragraphs above) but on Jeopardy would probably be known as "Things White Supremacists Say".

  To summarize: black folks can be bigoted, but not racist. White folks, on the other hand, can be both (re: Elon Musk and Bill Ackman)

  As an eternal optimist, I continue to believe that someday all of us will live together free from the blight of racial strife—but when one side fails to even acknowledge the existence of systemic racism, that struggle remains an uphill battle.

Update: Just read this interesting article from the UK's Guardian which contains this very pertinent quote:

 There's more to come in the next dispatch.

 ©2024 SummitCityScribe

Dispatch #406: Jimmy Carter's Unique Achievement

 

US President Jimmy Carter

  Over the USA's nearly 250-year history, it's nearly impossible to find a Commander-in-Chief without a single shot fired in anger by American forces during their time in office. The exception to this rule: our 39th President, James Earl Carter, Jr. 

  This remarkable achievement—first noted by the Washington Post's William Grieder upon the completion of Carter's first year in office—continued for the entirety of his term.

  It's fitting that a man known for a commitment to peace—as evidenced by his administration's signature achievement: the Camp David Accords—can also lay claim to this singular honor. 

  At his current age of 99, he's also our longest-living former President. Way to go, Jimmy!

Update—December 2024: Jimmy actually made it to age 100 before finally passing on Dec. 29th of this year. As amazing as that feat is, did you know that in 1952—24 years before he was elected President—Mr. Carter helped avert a nuclear disaster in Canada? You can read all about it here. 

R.I.P James Earl Carter Jr. (1924-2024)

 There's more to come in the next dispatch.

 ©2024 SummitCityScribe