Casual Racism: bringing awareness to a modern dilemma
February 19, 2016
[quote]By Ashley Walker
Social Media Editor
Photo by Jack Heerhold[/quote]
A woman isn’t beautiful “for an Asian girl”; a man isn’t intelligent “for a black guy”; a woman isn’t cool “for a white girl”; a man isn’t funny “for an Indian”. An individual’s personality cannot be defined by their skin tone, nor their origin. Race should not be a person’s defining factor.
But it always has been for me.
As a senior, I was asked on a college essay to describe a problem I’d like to solve – and that is exactly how I started it.
This isn’t an article on ending racism or stopping discrimination as a whole. This is me telling my story and thoughts about a problem I deal with just about every day of my life: casual racism.
The definition of casual racism “refers to conduct involving negative stereotypes or prejudices about people on the basis of race, colour or ethnicity. Examples include jokes, off-handed comments, and exclusion of people from social situations on the basis of race,” according to an Australian Human Rights Commission article.
Specifically, it is the everyday comments like, “you’re pretty for a black girl” or “you run fast because you’re black,” that get me thinking about how easy and nonchalant this form of racism is to come across.
Since I was born and raised in primarily white suburban neighborhoods, a wide majority of my friends are white, but not all, they are just the people I found it most easily to assimilate with. My friend base was built around personality and not what I looked like, yet I was always just seen as the well-brought-up “black girl” to those who didn’t thoroughly know me. I constantly get referred to as “white,” not only by white people, but by people of all races.
But, why is the standard of what a proper young girl should be like derived from what a normal white girl is like?
Since the sixth grade, every accomplishment I made was followed with a comment from my peers on my race. Getting moved to the varsity volleyball team as a freshman was countered with “it’s because you’re black, so you jump high”. Being named an Indian Prairie Scholar was paired with “I know you’re black, but you’re smart.” But, why is the standard of being successful so much lower for black students than it is for white students?
It is the root of these naive jokes/comments that make them hurtful and racist. Since slavery, African Americans have been stereotyped, discriminated against, and beaten down by words of other races. By normalizing stereotypical comments, the only thing being done is strengthening the desire and ability to discriminate against different races. Casual racism leads to subconscious racism, which will eventually develop and show through people’s actions. Actions like throwing around the n-word just because people don’t expect me to get offended by it since I am considered “white.” These words offend people, and contribute to the advancement of racism for future generations.
Casually racist remarks from my peers and even close friends have taken the place of congratulatory expressions, and that is what is so unsettling about this “friendly” form of prejudice. Older minority generations worked hard to be successful and to raise their children to overcome stereotypes/preconceived notions, not to be compared to another race.
Through my personal experiences, I hope to open people’s eyes to how uncasual casual racism truly is. My call to action is to seek to encourage both men and women of different ethnicities who’ve dealt with casual racism is to believe that the difference they are making in the world means something despite prejudice from others. I encourage you all to shape your actions around shaking stereotypes and defeating personal preconceptions of success based on race by leading through example. And for those of us who unconsciously make racist comments, stop yourself and be the change by making others aware of casual racism to all races.
Who I am is rooted in my heritage, but who I have grown to become is based off my personal struggles and successes. I am not your average “black girl.” I am not intelligent for “just a black girl.” I am not beautiful for “just a black girl.” I am unique. I am intelligent. I am beautiful. And I am black.
*Disclaimer: This article is categorized as Opinions. The views of this article are that of the writer and do not represent the Stampede staff as a whole and should not be interpreted as a staff editorial.
Zack Merrihew • Feb 23, 2016 at 12:13 pm
I really agree with this article and think that any comparison biased on race is irrelevant. When it comes down to it unless you are at the professional level of athletics the difference in your genes means close to nothing and when it comes to academics everyone shouldn’t have the same standards, but it shouldn’t be biased on race. (I am good at math. I should be held to a higher standard). I would also like to say that it is not fair for some of the comments to say that whites can’t talk about oppression because they are white and they don’t face any oppression themselves. I am a gay white male and I have and do get bullied for being with my boyfriend. I am no less white because I am gay. And I am no less oppressed due to the fact that I am white. These kind of comments are rooted from racism themselves. You are saying that someone can’t be or feel a certain way due to their race. The definition of racism. For racism to end which it will may not happen. Both sides have to change their views on the other.
if young marvv dont trust you just ask future..... • Feb 25, 2016 at 8:57 am
i agree zack
Michelle • Feb 25, 2016 at 8:44 pm
You aren’t struggling because you’re white. You aren’t being oppressed because you’re white. Your struggle comes from being gay because the LGBTQ+ community has been marginalized by society, just like POC have been. You will experince oppression because of your sexuality, not your race. Also, racism is systematic oppression. (I’m referring to the sociological definition of racism) White people simply don’t face that. You can face discrimination and prejudice, however. No one’s saying you don’t have struggles. You just don’t have racial struggles because of institutional racism. That’s nothing to get upset and feel left out about. The sooner white privilege is acknowledged, the sooner it can be destroyed.
Zack Merrihew • Feb 23, 2016 at 10:48 am
I agree with the article and I think that it brings up many solid points. As a gay white male though I think it is unfair to say that “whites” have faced no oppression. First of all I have been faced with many issues with being gay. (being called gay ect.) and I am still white. Also I don’t see how you can say that whites can’t talk about the babying that you have gone through with academics but you can talk about how they have not been oppressed. That is racism in and of itself. I really do agree though that hard work should be what is looked at.
Young Pappy • Feb 22, 2016 at 2:19 pm
I understand you want to prove a point about this whole “casual racism” thing but saying that Asian girls aren’t pretty or black men aren’t intelligent is something that you shouldn’t include in the article. I also believe that it is impossible to cancel this thing you call “casual racism”, we are at a point in society that all of us are just used to this “casual racism” and it is better to ignore it than to confront it at this point.
anonymous • Feb 22, 2016 at 12:22 pm
I totally agree, people will tell me “oh you aren’t white, you’re black” or ” you talk black” I’m sorry but race doesn’t have anything to do with how you speak. Meaning if you lived in a house that spoke properly. I guarantee you, you will speak properly as well. So……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….??
DJ Khaled • Feb 22, 2016 at 12:00 pm
You realize the only way to get rid of racism is to stop talking about it, right?
anon • Feb 22, 2016 at 2:23 pm
shouldn’t it be the other way around?
Young Pappy • Feb 23, 2016 at 9:28 am
100% agree
Morgan Freeman • Feb 25, 2016 at 9:04 am
I agree DJ Khaled, not talking about racism is a major key. http://cnsnews.com/news/article/michael-w-chapman/flashback-morgan-freeman-ending-racism-stop-talking-about-it
Safa Shaik • Feb 25, 2016 at 9:04 am
Did slavery end because we stopped talking about it? Did we gain our independence from Great Britain by never talking about it? Change does not take place till we start addressing issues in society. You can’t just stay quiet and expect for change to be handed to you. That has NEVER happened in history and NEVER will.
Michelle • Feb 25, 2016 at 8:30 pm
I agree. We should also not talk about diseases. If we ignore them, they’ll just go away!!111!!!! 🙂
Nope. My philosophy is that racism is a disease to society that needs to be treated. If you ignore a disease, it will spread. If racism directly affected you, I doubt you would be saying we should not talk about it.
Oke Metitiri • Feb 22, 2016 at 9:24 am
Nice article Ashley! Glad to see you confronting a problem that I too have had a lot of problems with.
Kody Skvarla • Feb 22, 2016 at 9:03 am
Hi my name is Kody Skvarla, and I am a victim of causal racism. Throughout my high school career I have been rejected by 5 females in the most embarrassing ways possible. I feel as that girls are being racist to me because there is no other explanation for why I have been rejected countless times. I am an Asian american seeking justice from this racist oppression and I think this article is very true.
Thank you
C28 • Feb 22, 2016 at 8:38 am
As a “professional European” I can note that while I was in Ireland no one cared at all about race, and it was not even brought up in school that often. Why do the “United” Stated of America care so much about ethnicity, race and gender? Its about as pointless as the colour green, yes it exists but who cares. Why are Americans so focused on these topics? Lets ignore Race Ethnicity and Gender and Worry about the issues that matter such as The US dept, Presidential candidates, Education and the school system, not something as silly as “Oh I’m black so I can say N***** ” or “Where are the black people in the AP classes?” or ” Not all white People love Starbucks!” its just a waste of time discriminating and making issues lets resolve them not make them.
anonymoussssss • Feb 19, 2016 at 3:45 pm
I don’t get why people make such a big deal about what race they are, and why their race is superior to the others. Why does everyone care about race so much? For once, can we just forget about race and admire the fact that we’re all proud Americans born into the best country in the world.
Michelle • Feb 20, 2016 at 10:06 am
I think race has been made into a big deal because humans have the ability to hate built into them. It’s human nature sadly. It’s a couple centuries too late to propose being color blind on races. The genocide of Native Americans and the slavery of Africans has already happened and there’s no way to erase that. Plus systematic racism is still alive and kicking. I personally don’t want to forget about race. There are people from basically every culture in the world living here in America, which is beautiful. If we erased all concepts of race, it would be pretty boring. We have the opportunity to learn about and admire different cultures and I don’t think there’s any need to ignore that. The problem isn’t with realizing that someone’s different; the problem comes in when someone is judged, hated, fetishized, or looked down upon because of their race.
Matt Fitzgerald • Feb 19, 2016 at 1:08 pm
All students are capable of getting good grades, however not every student chooses to do so. Also I think that their is a huge problem with associating race with grades and other things. Those with Indian heritage are not guaranteed to be smart, and African Americans are not guaranteed to be good at sports. But there are some people who believe that because someone isn’t their race, then that person isn’t capable. For example, another student last year would always make harassing comments to me, saying he was superior to me because he was Indian, and that therefore I was never going to get good grades or that he was more intelligent than me. Yes I was not as good at Chemistry as him, but I knew more about history and was able to memorize facts more easily. That is what I believe is the true problem. Our society has associated being smart or athletic or many other qualities with individual races, when really those associations should really describe a person.
Dwight K. Schrute • Feb 19, 2016 at 12:22 pm
White people have never been oppressed. Yet there has always been a systematic oppression of people who are black, Asian, Latino or whatever by white people. Us saying your chicken isn’t seasoned enough is not the same as us being smart because we’re Indians, or is being fast because we’re black. In these situations, the ones Ashley is describing, you’re saying you’re surprised we’ve achieved anything because our race is so inferior to yours. And that’s not true. People argue about the merit of Affirmative Action because they believe it’s based on race and not merit, but when you think about it, majority of the time minorities have to jump through major hurdles to get somewhere, whereas the average white person doesn’t suffer through much. Maybe personal problems, yes, but in society you guys have all the privilege. I mean take in case low income areas. Their schools are worse, they have less resources, these places are filled with violence. It’s not because of their race, it’s because they’ve been ignored. They see their homes, they see the state of their PUBLIC SCHOOL WHICH HAS BEEN FUNDED BY THE GOVERNMENT and they see that no one cares for them. So then the cycle repeats and they can’t get out of the system. And the people in these low income areas are usually minorities, and then because of the repeating cycle, everyone believes that the stereotypes are true and their not. If you gave a kid a chance, if you treated him equally, he’ll rise to the top. Not because of his race, not because of his culture, because THAT KID tried hard and succeeded. On his own merit. What Ashley is saying is 150% true and I’m sick and tired of white people acting like they have to deal with oppression and racism. You don’t. You never have. And maybe when you guys are the minority you will, but for now your history has never been filled with the pain and obstacles that minorities have had to deal with. So yeah. Our merits aren’t because of our race. It’s because we worked hard. And if we’re giving our race, our religion, our culture, something to be proud of then that’s just a bonus.
anonymous • Feb 19, 2016 at 5:37 pm
agreed. they need to stop acting like their so oppressed and open their eyes and realize when they’re being racist.
Michelle • Feb 20, 2016 at 9:56 am
I agree. I don’t see why they’re so afraid to acknowledge their privilege. If white people acknowledged their privilege, it could make room for change.
Nick Heger • Feb 23, 2016 at 7:31 pm
Saying “white people need to stop being racist” is actually racist in itself.
Also, schools are paid for by the property taxes in the area. Metea is super nice and stuff because there are rich people within its boundaries, who have valuable property and pay a lot of property tax. The people in the crappy schools have those schools because they’re poor and don’t pay much in the way of property tax. It’s not that the government is ignoring these schools, it’s that the people in that area are ignoring the schools by being poor and not giving the schools much tax money.
Michelle • Feb 25, 2016 at 8:22 pm
Referring to Nick’s comment, saying white people need to stop being racist is nowhere near racism. Holding white people accountable for their actions and pointing out racism is not racism. Interest and property taxes are actually higher in black neighborhoods. People aren’t “ignoring the schools by being poor and not giving the schools much tax money” They’re obviously not trying to be poor. Google institutional racism and the black wage gap. That might help clear some stuff up.
Bryce Effner • Feb 19, 2016 at 12:16 pm
Racism was ended because of its obvious discrimination on certain races, this ” casual racism ” is only seen as a problem to a few and would be extremely difficult to change. Simply put, this is not a serious or devastating enough issue to attract enough attention to change.
Kaitlyn • Feb 19, 2016 at 10:45 pm
The fact that you stated “racism was ended” really scares me. Racism exists in full force every single day in America and across the world. If racism was ended, the KKK wouldn’t still exist. If racism was ended, Donald Trump wouldn’t be trying to keep people of this country because of race/ethnicity/religion. Ending casual racism is a start to ending actual racism and inequality. Just because you aren’t being faced with casual racism, doesn’t mean that it is a huge factor affecting minorities.
Michelle • Feb 20, 2016 at 9:53 am
Racism is nowhere near ending. I can see why you would think it has ended because you don’t have to face it your whole life, but please try to educate yourself on it. Ignorance is harmful. Casual racism is serious. It can make someone feel that who they are isn’t as valid because of their race.
Esha • Feb 20, 2016 at 12:05 pm
Racism is not over. There was no conference where everyone gathered and said “racism is bad and disgusting and hateful to minorities, let’s just stop”. Racism exists all around us, just watch the news. How can racism not exist when Tamir Rice, a black 12 year old, died because he was holding a toy gun and a cop decided to shoot him. He was in an open carry state and the cop didn’t even wait a minute before killing him. and the cop didn’t even face charges. How can racism not exist when an Indian grandfather who had come to America and was taking a walk outside was beaten by a cop so badly that he was partially paralyzed, but the cop got acquitted for his use of excessive force? How can racism not exist when the water in flint, Michigan is still yellow and poisonous? wouldn’t it be fixed if it were in a predominantly white neighborhood? How can racism not exist when an experiment showed that a person named joe would get more job offers than a person named josé, even if they had the exact same qualifications? How can racism not exist when we all know that a woman makes 78 cents to a mans dollar, but not that a black man will only make 73 cents? and a Hispanic woman will only make 54 cents? and how can you say that casual racism isn’t a big issue when you, a white person, have never felt dehumanized and ashamed by the snide comments people make? when you have never felt guilty for something you didn’t choose, but feel the burden of every day? when you never took years to accept your skin color and be proud of it?
Aayush Kaul • Feb 23, 2016 at 8:52 am
http://www.cnn.com/2015/01/07/us/klan-numbers/
klan numbers are increasing bud
Safa Shaik • Feb 25, 2016 at 8:59 am
Racism never ended. It began because of its obvious discrimination on certain races and has always continued because of the obvious discrimination on certain races. You’re claiming only a “few” see it as a problem but how can you categorize an entire race into just a “few”. Are the thousands murders committed by the KKK not enough for you to consider “devastating”? I’m sure this might not be “devastating” or “serious” enough for you to consider the “few” affected by casual racism. But since you are a white male, your thoughts on racism are not relevant. I hope you never experience racism, but then again you are white, you never will. Educate yourself before you put out your opinion on a public platform. Maybe then people will take you more seriously.
Killian • Feb 19, 2016 at 12:10 pm
It’s not just race that is being casually teased, our school’s special needs students are picked on too. I know this because I am one of those special needs students. I’ve heard people jokingly say “my O.C.D is acting up” when something isn’t quite right, reference eating disorders when they or their friend is eating a ton or not eating at all, or even going so far as to mock in-verbal autistic people for a laugh. I suffer from (at least) 6 mental conditions and having them on a day-to-day basis is not funny, it’s not meant to entertain, and it’s certainly not a walk in the park to live with. The medical bills, inability to think and function like other people, and the horrors of bullying are something that some of us face regularly. So when I see or hear people mocking or casually teasing us special needs, I get more than a little upset.
Someone • Feb 22, 2016 at 12:51 pm
I agree, people with special needs are picked on and mocked all the time. This is also something we all need to discuss.
Killian Kenny • Apr 27, 2016 at 12:12 pm
You’re correct, we must talk about it. As such, I’ve just posted a letter to the editor containing a hand written article on this subject.
anonymous • Feb 19, 2016 at 10:33 am
also, most students on the basketball team here at Metea are African American and generally play well but when a student of a different race does well during a season they aren’t given special praise for doing well, they are given equal praise. Why is this different when talking about academics?
anonymous • Feb 19, 2016 at 10:25 am
I agree, I think it’s ridiculous African Americans are being praised for getting above a 3.0 gpa but those of Indian heritage are expected to achieve at least a 3.0 and therefor don’t receive any praise. Were babying African American students for doing well in school based on their race.
jeff silvey • Feb 19, 2016 at 10:50 am
don’t be anonymous. You should be proud of who and what you are. the day of reckoning is upon us they want to make it about race well guess what I love being me and I’m white so my final words are “molon labe” which means “come and take it”
Sannah B. • Feb 20, 2016 at 1:59 am
I don’t think you all understand what the article is trying to say. I am a black girl so I really understand where she is coming from. I have had people tell me I am classy “for a black person”, I have had people compare me to an Oreo (black on outside and white on the inside), and I have also had supposed friends say that they did not want to come over my house because there were too many black people. Comments like these are offensive, annoying, and degrading to not only myself but the black community. Black people have been plagued with some of the most demeaning stereotypes. We are called criminals and thugs. We are characterized as ghetto and dumb. But, I know plenty of black students who are the complete opposite of that and are some of the smartest kids I know. That doesn’t make them smart “for a black person.” It makes them smart for any race of people.
In addition, no one is “babying” black students. I have above a 4.0 GPA. In school, I have not received praise or awards for my grades more than any other student of any other race has received it either. Also, there are a lot of black students who come from low-income areas with less opportunity. This is why there are many programs used to educate black students on the importance of doing well in school and in the future. Usually the people who create these programs and awards for black students are black adults who see that many kids in our race our struggling. So please don’t hate on the fact that black people are supporting each other to see success and positive change in our community. It so frustrating to see how society blames the black community for not dealing with their “own” issues like the achievement gap, etc., but when black people try to help themselves whether through voicing an opinion or creating programs, people still get mad and say we are getting “special privileges,” and shouldn’t get any extra help.
Also, I am SO SO SO SO sick of hearing things like “racism has ended” or we always want to “make it about race.” The United States was not originally built/structured for anyone but the white man. In fact, that idea of white superiority is the reason why there are still racial problems in America today.
We continue to talk about racism because we STILL continue to be affected by it. Just because YOU may have never experienced racism, does not make it any less of an important issue.
Milan • Feb 19, 2016 at 11:25 pm
I think that it’s ridiculous you’re using your personal “shortcomings” to justify hate against another race. Academic success is a personal measure. Not everybody lives in the same environment (parents/academic standards) as you and has access to the same resources. Stop trying to apply your opinions to somebody’s GPA or grades, because is not for you to comment on. That is THEIR own work, whether they put effort into it or not, and your opinion is not relevant. As an African American, I know that I have never experienced this “babying” you speak of. Unless you’re African American don’t talk about us getting babied, cause you’ll never know what it’s like to walk into a class and having to prove to your teachers and your peers that you’re not “dumb”. White kids and their achievements are usually viewed as the highest level of success for students/athletes/musicians. And that’s inaccurate.
Michelle • Feb 20, 2016 at 10:13 am
As an black person who does well in school, I have never once experienced this “babying” you speak of. I think people of Asian and SE Asian heritage are expected to get good grades because their parents push them to do well. So many of them have lived up to their parent’s standards that society has decided that intelligence is an Asian thing. (Please correct me if I’m wrong about this)
Anonymous • Feb 20, 2016 at 8:02 pm
Yep. I agree. People just see Asians as smart and that is the only thing their good at. Or people just see them only doing homework 24/7. They do more than just that. They like the same things other people like too.
Salhar • Feb 23, 2016 at 8:09 am
Academic success should not in any way be based off of race. Every person has the potential to do well in school, but it is all based on the amount of effort that they put into their work. No one should have a lower standard for doing well in school based on their race. Everyone should be held accountable to the same standard.
Anonymous • Feb 25, 2016 at 1:09 pm
You’re kidding, right? What’s the ratio to Indian and Black high school drop outs and achievements? No one is getting babied, but reinforced. It’s a form of encouragement. In this case go ahead and say why the students who have special needs get praise when they do something right…
Nick Heger • Feb 19, 2016 at 8:29 am
This “racism” is based on facts. For instance, saying “black people run fast” isn’t false; on average, black people run faster than whites and asians.
Anonymous • Feb 19, 2016 at 9:57 am
I agree. This “issue” affects majorities too, not just minorities. I hear people say “he’s fast for a white guy” about fast white people. I don’t take up arms about it because it’s TRUE. White people are typically slower runners than black people.
This concept can be applied to academics, too.
Killian • Feb 19, 2016 at 12:16 pm
Not to mention there’s even a line is a song that goes something like “and all the girls say i’m pretty fly, for a white guy”. Proving the majorities are effected too
mwj_yl onna beat • Feb 25, 2016 at 8:37 am
Everyone has different talents and work hard to get to where they are, so I disagree my guy.
jeff silvey • Feb 19, 2016 at 10:41 am
wow finally someone who doesn’t mind evidence there’s a first. In older generations words lead to action. Our words lead to more words just spouting excuses for why being an American is wrong. pathetic and feeble cares.
India • Feb 19, 2016 at 11:00 pm
Ok but saying to black people “you’re only fast because you’re black” it is not only dehumanizing, but erases hardwork they put in to excel at a sport. When you’re a minority, things are not handed to you, I can guarantee that every child of color has heard growing up “if you want to be the best, you have to work 10x as hard as them [the whites]”. Natural athleticism due to race or genes will only carry someone so far. It’s disgusting that no matter how hard black athletes may work on and off season, their dedication and training will always be seen as something they didn’t work for because the white folks out here angry they getting smoked on the track and the courts. Hm, if you mad because you think black people are faster because of their race, you might as well stay mad because we out here working?and your race related comments, while ones of a juvenile mind with no sense of how racism functions against people of color in society, is the drive that’s gonna cause us to work harder…