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Explaining Denial: What “Race-Baiting” and the “Race-Card” in Discussions on Whiteness and Racism
Someone is Always Trying to Shut People up From Talking About Racial Oppression
I got a comment recently on Medium saying that my article was another “race-baiting.” I found the comment funny. I wondered what would get hooked on the bait! It was also an interesting comment and game me food for thought. I have heard this phrase and its equivalent, “playing the race card.” I am sure there are others which do not come to mind now. They are typically employed to delegitimize the experiences and concerns of Black people about systemic racism and discrimination. People who say these and similar phrases aim to silence any meaningful dialogue on the subject because why criticize a system that benefits them? They want to concretize a cycle of denial and minimization of the very real impacts of racism in society.
1. What’s the Mentality Behind these Terms? The usage of “race-baiting” and “race-card” usually echoes a mental and emotional discomfort with acknowledging the pervasive nature of racism. They are well aware of the damage whiteness is causing. By simplifying and labeling sincere discussions on racial inequality as manipulative or strategic plays for sympathy or some undue advantage, those wielding these…
