A Declaration on Race
After much observation of the human condition, I have come to the conclusion that, in order to fully embrace both my humanity and the humanity of all individuals, I must deny the concept of race.
This is not to deny that most humans, if not all (and admitting that I will always retain some prejudices concerning race), believe in the concept of race and adhere to those concepts fervently and zealously. However, it has become clear to me that seeing the world through the lens of racial divisions not only self-segregates populations, but also diminishes the humanity of the others in perceived "other groups"
In my current era, I understand that to write these words indicates that I have a certain economic and social advantage that affords me the liberty to explore this concept of denying racial identity. In colloquial terms, it's damn easy for my white privilege to let me pretend race doesn't exist. I do not deny that RACISM exists. I also do not deny that inherent structural inequities exist, that are clearly defined by racial boundaries. These inequities can, upon deeper investigation, be seen as more economic in their divisions than by race, but, in the United States of America at least, differences in social class is understood, discussed, and addressed through the lens of race.
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