Day 6 Levels of Racism

 Since I have been aware but  not really thought about my role in the levels of racism, I will briefly summarize my understanding. 

Individual forms of racism include internalized racism which is what we feel inside about race, including POC who may begin to believe they are inferior because of experiences and attitudes that put down their race. Interpersonal racism is what we encounter between individuals. Most media and discussion focuses on these more easily understood and seen forms of racism. 

Focusing on the individuals negates the presence of institutional and structural racism. These are the systemic forms of racism that keep certain groups out of housing, educational, and occupational settings. Just because we had a Black president or some POC are successful doesn't mean everyone has the same opportunities or doesn't encounter barriers White people never think about. Even though anti-discrimination laws are in effect it doesn't eliminate subtle forms of voter suppression, hiring practices, educational and economic disparities, health outcomes, the list goes on. 

Just in my work world, there are no people of color in my department and few throughout the organization. None in senior leadership, heck that is heavily male dominated, too.