Racism Uncovered

Bonilla-Silva’s notions of colorblind racism reign true, especially when talking about racism in today’s society.  The worst thing to be called is a racist, especially a white racist.  Social media, specifically Facebook and twitter, has seemed to bend the rules of whites walking on eggshells to not be labeled a racist.  I would argue that racism is not masked as much on social media sites as it is in day-to-day relationships.  The aspect of Internet tough guys/gals is increasing because there are no repercussions for their actions.  Bonilla-Silva writes about racism being hidden by attempting to disguise blatant racist remarks, and replacing them with dismissive attempts to make racism comedic.  This passing technique is utilized to not be branded a racist, while still degrading other people.  However, the chances of being held truly accountable for your thoughts and actions are slim to none.  Frankly cowering behind a fake name, while attempting to achieve an elevated status through perception is weak.  Others may argue that, they are being “real”, and they would say it to anyone’s face.  Justine Sacco, a New York City PR executive was fired for tweeting “Going to Africa, hope I don’t get AIDS. Just kidding. I’m white!”.  Later she apologized for her extremely racist and utterly distasteful tweet.  Once her innocent tweet, intended to get a laugh out of her followers, got attention from outside her safe zone, it instantly turned her world around.  Now instead of being a quaint white girl from New York, she is now unemployed, and worse a known PR racist.  Bringing the notion of racism to the front door will bring even the most radical racist to his/her knees.  The power of a racist label only exist if it is proximal, relevant, and the stigma of a racist will effect that persons life. This notion parallels the idea of who can be a racist.  Racism derives its power from the powerful.  It is absolutely wrong, not matter what, to be a racist.  However, the repercussions of racism, and the causality of a racist nation can be measured by power, and prestige. Which racist has a greater effect:  the guy living under the I-88 bridge is a renown white supremacist and hold racist signs everyday for hundreds of thousands of people to see, or a CEO of a large corporation who does not hire specific individuals based on race?  Most people, including me, laugh at the bum but the racist notions of the CEO bleed from the top down. Here is a wild idea: influential people have the power to influence.  Colorblindness will only strengthen racism by guiding people to camouflaged racism tactics.