I came across your idea from the "Philosophy or Our Times" podcast and became intrigued. Something I am trying to make sense of in this framework is how we make sense of the racialized experiences that are a fact of our history if we are to rid ourselves of the notion of race? Are we going to say that people with more melanin who live in Boston are more likely to be arrested than those with less melanin pigments in their skin? Surely racism can exist without race, but how do we rectify racism without referencing race (real or not). Ultimately, I'm curious about your thoughts on how we reconcile this framework with efforts of affirmative action?
That’s not difficult. We talk about racialized people—people racialized as Black, White, or whatever. To racialize a group of people is to believe that they belong to one or another race and treat them in accordance with that belief. The beliefs are real, but that doesn’t make race real any more that believing that Santa Claus is real makes Santa real.
I'm surprised that people are perplexed and think you're playing parlor games.
I agree with you 100% And glad someone is finally saying it.
As opposed to those who find it offensive, I firmly believe that THIS is what will actually do away with racism. Grateful to you.
I think that if we can accomplish it, we can finally start to appreciate humanity's wonderful diversity; like Subrena's description of life in Jamaica, some are short, others tall, browned skinned, beige skinned, curly haired, etc.
Excellent. Agree with every word.
Thanks, Amir!
I came across your idea from the "Philosophy or Our Times" podcast and became intrigued. Something I am trying to make sense of in this framework is how we make sense of the racialized experiences that are a fact of our history if we are to rid ourselves of the notion of race? Are we going to say that people with more melanin who live in Boston are more likely to be arrested than those with less melanin pigments in their skin? Surely racism can exist without race, but how do we rectify racism without referencing race (real or not). Ultimately, I'm curious about your thoughts on how we reconcile this framework with efforts of affirmative action?
That’s not difficult. We talk about racialized people—people racialized as Black, White, or whatever. To racialize a group of people is to believe that they belong to one or another race and treat them in accordance with that belief. The beliefs are real, but that doesn’t make race real any more that believing that Santa Claus is real makes Santa real.
It’s no secret I love your work. You give me pause to think about words I choose in the things I say and write. I thank you. My brain thanks you.
Fantastic, DLS! This will be an informative series. I hope that your readers will understand what the position is NOT!
I'm surprised that people are perplexed and think you're playing parlor games.
I agree with you 100% And glad someone is finally saying it.
As opposed to those who find it offensive, I firmly believe that THIS is what will actually do away with racism. Grateful to you.
I think that if we can accomplish it, we can finally start to appreciate humanity's wonderful diversity; like Subrena's description of life in Jamaica, some are short, others tall, browned skinned, beige skinned, curly haired, etc.