This is why I need #anti-racism... (#2)

This unsettling news comes from my birthplace, Eugene, OR, which houses the Tier-1 rated research and public education institution, the University of Oregon.  The display in question was not carried out on campus but the placement was highly visible and many people had opinions as to what it means for this small college town, including Eric Richardson of the NAACP.  Here is the entire story from a local news outfit:




"Anti-racist is a code word for anti-white"

To me, the banner is a misguided sentiment that denies the struggle of people in positions of oppression while assuming the role of the victim.  When I think of the term "anti-racist" it means anti any one or thing or idea or belief or institution or organization or social system that discriminates based solely on a person's race or ethnicity, and yes, that includes discriminating against white people too.  The effects of racism can be felt in numerous ways, many of which lead to less opportunity and  limited access to resources such as education and employment.  While people of any race or background can feel the pains of discrimination, by and large it's been directed at people of color and minorities.   

With that being said, I think it's important to look at the racial make-up of this college town to gain some perspective and ask questions as to why some folks thought this message needed to be heard.  According to Census data from 2010, White folks made up 85.5% of the town's population while a mere 1.4% of inhabitants were Black and a whopping 7.8% accounted for the Hispanic population.  Based on numbers alone, this northwest town is largely comprised of Whites.  Is all this talk about white privilege and the changing dynamics of society threatening to jeopardize the White majority?  It would seem, from demographics alone, that Whites hold more power in a city where they outnumber the "others" substantially.  I'm growing tired of white-apologists who cannot take a step back and acknowledge the overreaching systems in place that have been built of the exploitation of degradation of others - and to greater extent - recognizing how they have benefited from these practices historically over time.     

This message speaks out against a changing society in which the dominant population is shifting to include more "minorities".  I cringe at even having to use that word.  It feels so diminutive and less than.  Maybe with the changing population, we should also change the language that represents people as a *minor* part of the whole.  But first, we have to change our attitudes about race and entitlement and quit using divisive tactics to create a hierarchy of oppression. 


                                                                  Observation
I heard about a second string of bleach balloons being thrown at students of color on campus.  It is very disappointing that fellow students would act out in such violent, aggressive, and intolerant ways.

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