I am Not Racist Because …

Human beings have a tremendous capacity for self-delusion.

First, I was not racist because I was born in Brooklyn, and racists come from places like Florida or Texas or Alabama or Mississippi.

Then I was not racist, because I did not wear a white hood and robe and burn a cross on my front lawn. It doesn’t matter that in Brooklyn, I did not have a front lawn.

Then I was not racist because if THOSE people applied themselves like I did, they could make it just like WE people do.

Then I was not racist because some of THOSE people made it, so any of THEM can make it.

Then I was not racist because somehow THEIR problems are THEIR fault.

Then I was not racist because in order for THEM to get a civil liberty, justice or anything else, THEY have to take it away from ME.

Then I was not racist because it’s not MY problem.

Then I was not racist because I’m only one person. What can I do?

Maybe after 7 decades, I’m finally getting it. I have come to the realization that to other people, their lives are as important to THEM as mine is to ME. It’s a concept called empathy.

Whenever I see an injustice done to any marginalized group, I’m beginning to take it personally. Whatever is being done to one of THEM is being done to one of MINE. I also know enough about history to realize that if I do nothing about what is being done to THEM, it will eventually be done to ME.