Racism vs Prejudice. How does it pertain to people of color? Speaking from the POV of an AAM

Most people don't understand the concept of Racism/Prejudice and how they deviate from each other. To be a racist or deemed a racist means that society gives you the upper hand. It means that you have the power to obstruct and negatively impact groups. However, to be prejudice means that somewhere you have been given that equal opportunity. It mainly involves a bias, when Racism is in the system, the Government, the Schools, the Jobs, Occupations, Housing, Neighborhoods, etc. To be a racist means that you use that privilege against other people; you use it in your actions, words, beliefs, etc. To be prejudice means that you have given in to those stereotypes, usually formed from racist narratives.

One thing that bothers me most is when someone refers to a person of color as a racist. I am only going to speak on African Americans. I am saying this because I will not share another racial experience without that background. There is a percentage of people who are unaware that they can not be labeled a racist. Mostly because of the lack of teaching in schools. Most things taught in school are whitewashed (I will save this topic for another time). I don't think that anyone has learned an accurate definition of Racism and prejudice, or what it means to be either.

African Americans can not be racist because they are at the bottom of every part of society. Racism is, in fact, more likely to be directed at African Americans. Most people will disagree with that statement. Everyone is above us, not so far above us, but they are above us, as it pertains to who is more superior/inferior. People refuse to recognize it. As a human race, we have a hard time seeing one another because we won't accept the facts, talk about difficult things, be honest, etc. Now I'm not saying that other people haven't faced Racism just as much African Americans. Still, no matter how rich/successful a black person seems to become, the system and the society we live in is always against us. This country that we live in has built on the idea that people of color are less than human. Its a system built to be against anything but white. It's essential that we stay united and educated. On the part where I think we would all agree is that there can not be Racism pointed towards the white race. It is impossible.

Now, I am not saying that we should separate the injustices, the oppression, and racism people of color, face. I am saying that to work together, to achieve equality for ALL people of color, we have to understand and accept the truth. We have to understand each other's difficulties in this society.

There is a strict difference between Racism and prejudice. You can't just determine who falls on either of those lines. This rule mostly pertains to people of color. Next time someone accuses a person of color of Racism, educate them on why that wouldn't be correct. I hope that after reading, you have gained more insight into the difference between the two labels. You want to have a conversation or have any questions feel free to comment. Just remember to be respectful. Feel free to reach out.

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