cognitively dissonant racists

cognitively dissonant racists
Friday, June 15, 2007

Call it "white guilt" if you must but it's not uncommon for white people to believe that they aren't racists because they know it's bad while their subconscious remains racist.

One can't just logic one's gut feelings and intuition away, pretending that they don't exist or influence perceptions.

These people will have very rigid conversations with other racial groups using fake kindness in their voice. Being absolutely polite, trying not to step on the others toes and more than likely making embarrassing verbal slips like "You people".

What happened?

They didn't fully embrace the parts of their character that are racist, creating a schism of self.

The only method I know of overcoming it is to acknowledge those racist parts of one's own personality, becoming more aware and listening for the prejudice in one's own words and thoughts.

Only by working through the issue rather than ignoring it can progress be made.

But trying to believe it away is just foolish.