There is no doubt in my mind that racism still exists; I make it my duty to touch on the subject more often than not. There are numerous elements such as institutional racism and white privilege that exists and widen the gap between the majority and minorities. However, there are also things that minorities do to each other and to their own group that contributes to their oppression. It is important to recognize that it is not just white people who contribute to the oppression of African-Americans, but it is Black people as well. Here are a few things that Black people often do to each other that contribute to their oppression:
Light skin vs. Dark Skin.
There is a constant war between the minority community. Who's better: light skin blacks or dark skin blacks? This war is apparent across numerous race groups such as Korean, Chinese and of course African-Americans. This battle of pigment stems back to slavery when light-skin slaves were considered better and more worthy so often got to work in the house rather than in the field (this was considered a privilege). Hundreds of years later this war is clearly still being fought as social media is constantly being filled with “#TeamLightSkin” or “#TeamChocolate.” I find it admiring and important to be proud of one’s looks. So by all means, form a hashtag. However, these tags are usually preceded with a demeaning comment towards someone of the other complexion. It is essential that as a group we stop separating and degrading each other simply based on complexion. We must see our race in its entirety as beautiful in order for it to begin to be viewed as such.
Internalizing their oppression.
Some minorities often internalize their oppression. Doing such puts one in the mindset that they're supposed to be oppressed and that's how things should be and always will be. One who believes this will not work to fight the forces that work against him or her. Therefore, when one encounters racism, white privilege, or any form of discrimination taking place, they will often not see it as a problem. It is vital that African-Americans not accept the position that society has put them in. Witnessing and allowing discrimination to continue, whether within the Black community or otherwise, is consent. Once African-Americans (and other minorities) learn that their oppression and segregation from the majority (in schools, neighborhoods, and environments) exists and not by accident, they are no longer internalizing their oppression and can then work to fight it.
Oppressing others.
I have witnessed minorities attempt to oppress other minorities. It is often disturbing to watch as usually both groups experience much of the same discriminatory actions from the majority. Yet, I have still witnessed a Mexican man tell his daughter to never bring a Black man home because all of them are no good. I have heard stories of Black parents telling their son he cannot date outside their race. Although these seem minor, it is all contributing to a bigger picture. Minorities oppressing other minority groups only does one thing: keeps the majority up. Minorities are not helping each other by discriminating, they are simply bringing themselves down while uplifting the majority. Although this is not something that Black people do to each other, it is something that perpetuates the oppression of other minorities, which is equally as important.
If you have read this article and have come to the conclusion that I am blaming Black people for their own oppression I suggest a reread. I will never fix my mouth to say that African-Americans have dealt this hand of cards to themselves. However, I do believe that we are often oppressing ourselves, which only contributes the oppression we already encounter from the majority. I ask us to try to work on bringing our people together before we try to work on incorporating us with the majority.
