This past year, many white individuals stepped up more than ever before in the fight against racism. They shared their blackout squares on social media, participated in Black Lives Matter protests, explored books like How to Be an Antiracist, and spread awareness about the significance of racial equity. Many cast their votes for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, even if they weren’t their first choice, as a rejection of the Trump administration’s white supremacist agenda.
While these efforts were crucial, I can’t help but feel anxious. Will those who were passionate about justice for George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor maintain that same commitment come January with a new administration? Electing the first Black president didn’t put an end to racism, as many hoped. When President Obama left, and Trump took office, conditions deteriorated rapidly, and they remained troubling. The promised post-racial society? It simply doesn’t exist.
Rather than striving for a colorblind society, we should aim to celebrate and acknowledge racial differences. The notion of being “colorblind” is not only dismissive but also naive. The reality is that discrimination remains prevalent because people do see color and often make judgments based on race.
As we collectively breathe a sigh of relief that the Racist-in-Chief is on his way out, we can’t rest on our laurels. The Biden-Harris administration shouldn’t be the only ones accountable for fostering a racially equitable society. They need our support.
For those who were active before the election, we must remain just as dedicated as we move into 2021. Continuing to read anti-racist literature and applying its teachings in our daily lives is essential. We must listen to and learn from our friends of color without expecting them to shoulder the emotional burden of our education. Teaching our children to be anti-racist now will help them grow up free from the biases of a whitewashed history.
Activism is undoubtedly exhausting, but consider how much more challenging it is for those who face racism every day. They cannot escape it based on their mood or a to-do list. My four children, all of whom are Black, encounter the effects of racism daily, whether in person or through media portrayals, school policies, and more. Racism is both pervasive and insidious.
Many of us are still recovering from an administration that treated marginalized communities with disdain. From throwing paper towels at hurricane victims in Puerto Rico to refusing to denounce white supremacy, the previous administration’s actions have left deep scars. The record of racial offenses is extensive and ongoing.
Fighting against racism requires more than attending a protest, wearing a BLM t-shirt, or having a single conversation with a friend of color. It’s not enough to simply read a book about it. Confronting racist comments at family gatherings is important, but it shouldn’t stop there.
Being kind to Black people or claiming to have “one Black friend” doesn’t equate to being anti-racist. Saying “we’re all one race, the human race” won’t change harmful beliefs. Now, more than ever, it’s essential to double down on effective and genuine anti-racism efforts. This work is a marathon, not a sprint, and there’s no finish line in sight. You can’t quit or complain about fatigue just because a new administration is taking over.
So yes, celebrate the Biden-Harris victory, but don’t shed your armor in the fight against racism. The burden of addressing this issue doesn’t rest solely on their shoulders; it falls on society as a whole. With millions still supporting racist ideologies, it will take the unwavering commitment of white individuals to shift the narrative.
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Summary
The article emphasizes the need for sustained commitment to anti-racism efforts beyond the election. It encourages individuals to continue educating themselves and listening to marginalized voices while recognizing that the responsibility for change lies with society as a whole, not just the new administration.