Understanding Racism: Degrees, Denial, and Self-Reflection

Do Racist People Generally Admit That They Are Racist?

A common misconception is that people who openly admit to being racist are truly pathological. The truth is that real racists know they are and are not ashamed of it, which is a disgusting reality. Racial prejudice involves actively hating, shaming, and ruining someone for their race—a characteristic that is beyond their control. If a person you know doesn't openly display these traits, they are likely not racist, at least not in the traditional sense.

The Levels of Racism

Racism comes in various degrees, stages, and levels. Due to institutionalized racism, many people are at least racist at the first stage, often without realizing it. Understanding these levels can help in recognizing and combating racism more effectively:

Level 1: Believing in the most widely used system of human classification. This is the belief that there are significant biological differences between racial groups. Level 2: The belief that there are behavior differences between so-called racial groups and assigning positive or negative perspectives to these groups. Level 3: Practicing discrimination based on negative attributes attributed to a so-called race. Level 4: Having or expressing hateful or harmful thoughts and behaviors toward a so-called race.

The first two levels are often benign, while the third and fourth represent more severe forms of racism, often in denial.

The Psychology of Racism

Many people, regardless of ethnicity, hold the belief that they are correct and possess all the answers to the world's problems. This self-righteousness is often deeply ingrained in white individuals. This misconception is prevalent among racists of all kinds, and often, they are unaware that they are racist. Some people, particularly those with black descent, subscribe to Critical Race Theory, which asserts that all white people are inherently racist and that oppressed races cannot be racist, even when they display extreme hatred and racism. This theory itself is entirely racist, as it denies agency and responsibility.

Racism in Institutional Contexts

Racism is often institutionalized, meaning it is deeply embedded in societal institutions and practices. In the United States, for example, the pervasive belief in racial hierarchies is a manifestation of this institutionalization. Many people, whether conscious or not, follow these harmful belief systems. The denial of racism at these levels is widespread, making it a challenge to address and combat.

Conclusion

Understanding the different levels of racism and the denial that often accompanies it is crucial in the journey toward a more equitable society. Breaking down these barriers requires self-reflection, education, and a willingness to confront the uncomfortable truths about our own biases and the systemic issues that perpetuate racism.