Scott Morizot

I'm not somehow magically free of all those biases and assumptions, though I seem to have absorbed fewer than many. I guard against the rest

So when you see someone and make assumptions based on their race and appearance, that does mean you are racist.

When you are angered because you feel someone has gotten an advantage in a system that's supposed to favor you, you are racist.

When you set aside or discount racist opinions or views expressed by another, you are also racist.

And when you support and vote for candidates who have openly expressed racist opinions and espoused racist policies, you are racist.

If, in your own self-image, you would like to be something better than a racist, the first step is to acknowledge where you are.

As long as you continue to lie yourself, you will never change.

Do you feel hurt and aggrieved that people call you a racist because you voted for one? Remember that actions speak louder than words.

If you've acted in a racist manner, accept that reality. If you actually want to be a better human being, you can start any time.

If you're okay with being "a little racist" then don't be offended when people accurately describe you.

Even the worst human "monsters" tend to express care and affection toward those whom they embrace as fellow human beings.

And most people only have a little bit of "monster" in them and can be caring in many or most personal interactions.

Though nobody knows its origins, the parable of the two wolves is a good illustration of this principle.

There is the wolf of care, compassion, love, and acceptance. And there is the wolf of racism, hatred, and othering.

If you're a white American, you have both within you. And it's far too easy to accept the advantages and security the racist wolf offers.

The wolf that will win is the one you feed. Choose carefully which wolf you wish to nurture within you.

And however you try to put a gentle mask on the racist wolf, it is a ravening beast. It will consume you and those around you.

If you wish to hold it in check, you must starve it. Every day. With all your strength.

Finally, I'll note that the implicit biases and prejudices with sexism work much the same way.

If anything, those are even more deeply entrenched than systemic racism and cross all cultural lines.