Racism in America: Perspectives and Historical Context
Conservatives at least this one, believe that humans are imperfect. Regardless of color, gender, or any other distinction, we all make mistakes. The question is whether we define an entire race or generation by their mistakes or if we look beyond them with the perspective that it is our ability to move on that defines our capacity to overcome our inherent limitations.
Most conservatives don’t subscribe to the notion that the US was less racist in 2008 than it was in 2021. The media’s role in amplifying division and politicians’ reluctance to engage in bipartisan efforts exacerbate this issue.
Importantly, reflecting on the historical context of slavery and racism in America provides valuable insight. There are misconceptions and arguments that need to be addressed, particularly the belief that the slaves were the racists. It is crucial to understand and acknowledge that slavery ended due to the efforts of many.
Colonial America and the Abolition of Slavery
Initially, the original colonists to what is now the United States were deeply religious people, taught by their faith that God created all people. The idea that some were "lesser" in God's eyes was not commonly accepted. The abolition of slavery in the North American colonies began in 1688, when German and Dutch Quakers published a pamphlet denouncing the practice. For over 150 years, the abolition movement evolved, reflecting the changing attitudes of people who saw slavery as iniquitous and against God’s will.
Evangelical Christians and the Abolition Movement
Initially, it was Evangelical Christians who fought the institution of slavery by appealing to the consciences of Northerners. This eventually became a widespread national movement, funded by wealthy businessmen like the Tappan brothers. By 1856, the Republican Party was formed with the goal of ending slavery, while its opponents, the Democratic Party, supported slavery and became the political party of the South.
The Civil War and Its Aftermath
The Civil War aimed to grant freedom to former slaves, but feelings remained high on both sides. The North continued to fight the intent of many in the South to prevent former slaves from enjoying their newfound freedoms. Jim Crow laws emerged in the early 1900s, prohibiting African Americans from shopping in certain stores, occupying specific jobs, attending white schools, and voting.
The Early 21st Century and Beyond
Beginning in the 1960s, the American people began to confront the specter of racism in society, leading to significant changes. The General Social Survey (GSS) has provided a unique look at attitudes about race, particularly among blacks and whites, since 1972. Support for public and political forms of discrimination has significantly shrunk. By 2010, just 6% of white Southerners said they wouldn’t vote for a black president, compared to 48% in 1972.
Modern Debates and Critical Race Theory
Modern debates around racism in America, particularly within the context of Critical Race Theory (CRT), offer a lens through which to understand contemporary social dynamics. Marxist-inspired CRT justifies identity politics, promoting the idea that the most salient aspect of an individual is their race, ethnicity, or gender—factors over which they have no control. This doctrine is seen as a tool by the Democratic Party to convert the United States into a socialist state by fostering racial divisions.
Contemporary conservatism, rooted in a belief in American exceptionalism and individual freedom, resists these divisive tactics. While conservatives do not like the idea of using racial divisions to incite revolution toward a socialist state, it does not make them racists. Rather, it makes them patriots who believe in the principles of the Constitution and the values that have defined America since its founding.
The discussion around racism in America requires a nuanced and informed understanding. Media, political rhetoric, and social movements all play crucial roles in shaping public perception. Acknowledging historical context and contemporary debates helps in fostering more productive and empathetic dialogue.