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In reply to the discussion: White People Think One Black Person's Success Proves Racism Is Over [View all]laundry_queen
(8,646 posts)the night Obama was elected how many people said as much - that racism was on its way out.
Boy was that ever not true. We found out just how deep the racism is (although maybe it was just me who was incredibly naïve...I never believed racism was over because of Barack Obama, but I did think it was a much bigger step forward than it turned out to be...I'm certain no black person was as naïve as I was...plus being Canadian, I didn't understand how much racism permeated American society. I've been really shocked at what has happened in the last 6 years).
I've actually seen this conversation play out in my own family. My SIL is half black, and grew up in a predominantly white town. She is definitely considered 'successful'. The only other black kid in her school is a famous NHL hockey player. People in my family have pointed out how that because of the success of these 2 people, somehow it means racism doesn't exist here in Canada. I'm like, really??
I think, if Hillary is elected, we will find the same sentiment that women have somehow 'made it'. It's odd how people think if one person has 'made it' then everyone has. We even see that dynamic with poverty - one person who grew up poor becomes a billionaire and somehow it's expected that everyone has that same chance. It's such crap.
Anyway, good article.