Post Election: We still gotta talk about racism, folks.

Between a comment by Dave Esrati here and a Facebook exchange about our new mayor's words about profiling (which were apparently sensationalized by the local Democrats[1], let me just make something clear:

Racial profiling is racism.

It might not be "Archie Bunker" style personal racism. It might not be fueled by any personal feelings of prejudice - but the effect is exactly the same. You do not have to be personally racist to participate in a racist system.

So when Gary Lietzell (back in May) said this about racial profiling (and I'm quoting from here):

They don't stop him "because" he IS black (and they hate black people) they stop him because he is identified by his skin color as being a member of a culture that has a higher tolerance for irresponsible behavior and there is a greater possibility that the car is not being driven with the owners permission. It is less likely they would stop an Asian or an Oriental youth and more likely if the person looked like a punk rocker, regardless of skin color. This is called racial profiling. It isn't necessarily right but it isn't racism.

He's flat out wrong. Racial profiling is a tautology and crappy security (see my post on my other blog here), and it is structural racism. It is a racist system, totally irrespective of the opinions of those participating in it.

For Dayton to thrive, we must move past racism. Not just "n-word" style Archie Bunkerism, but the structures and thought processes that act in racist ways, regardless of their intent. These structures will not disappear without active, conscious effort to destroy them. It is not enough to "not be racist"; we must be anti-racist.

Since I know Gary's seen this blog, I hope he sees this. I don't have any reason to think he is personally racist. I imagine that the idea of it offends him, and that's a start. And I hope that he engages the issue openly - whether with me, someone like Darryl Fairchild, or maybe some sociology professors (I can introduce you, Gary). Offline, online, publicly or not. (Seriously. E-mail me. Not joking here. Over beer, coffee, whatever.)

Gary, you want change. So let's talk about really changing the way we address race in Dayton. Thanks.

[1] I honestly don't know what they said. I recycled all political mailings for at least a month before the election unread.