Racism and Personal Identity

This is a personal narrative on the often complex and contradictory nature of racism. While I am a passionate lover of the sport of racing, I have also been accused of being a racist. This does not mean I personally condone or support such views, but rather, I use it as a cautionary tale to highlight the intricate nature of our societal constructs and personal biases.

My Love for Racing and Myself

Yes, I am a very proud member of the racing community. I find the sport thrilling and unique, with a rich history. NASCAR, for example, was founded by Bill France Sr. on February 21, 1948. Racing is truly a wonderful thing, and I am deeply fond of it. I cannot see what there is to hate about it! The community is great, and there is so much innovation and excitement in the sport. It’s rich in history and culture, making it a truly unique experience.

However, personal biases and societal constructs often complicate these positive feelings. Whenever I get criticized for my views on diversity and inclusion, I make sure to educate myself and others about the complexity of the issue. I have been accused of being racist, and I stand by the fact that I am not a blunt supremacist nor do I despise or hate people for their race. I have a Mexican-Indian wife and a black girlfriend, and I have spent over two decades in the U.S. Army and more than 60 years on this rock.

I believe it would be a naive oversimplification to assert that racism is a binary issue. Most white people in the US who are not outright white supremacists are both racist and anti-racist to some extent. We are all products of the society we are born into, and if your society places white, heterosexual men at the top, you are likely to believe that unconsciously, people who match that mold are superior. The same society, however, also brings in harmful and heinous ideas like racism and misogyny. This requires conscious effort and active pushback to counteract these negative beliefs and behaviors.

Unconscious Bias and Societal Hierarchy

It is important to recognize that racism is not a binary question. Most white people in the US are both racist and anti-racist to some extent. We are products of the society we are born into and if you are born into a society that puts white, heterosexual men at the top of the societal hierarchy, you are likely to believe that unconsciously, people who fit that mold are superior even if you intellectually know better.

Consequently, not only do you buy into the racism and misogyny that come with this hierarchical system, but you also accept the harmful homophobia. This is why it is essential for people living in such societies to actively and consciously push back against these destructive and heinous ideas. This doesn’t mean that everyone born into such a society is bad or good. It just means we must strive to do better than the history we have inherited.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the issue of racism is complex and multifaceted. What I represent is a personal journey towards awareness, acceptance, and action against unconscious biases that we all carry. While I am a proud member of the racing community and deeply passionate about it, I also recognize the need to be vigilant and conscious of how societal constructs may affect my views and actions.