The Glenn Show John McWhorter — What’s “Systemic” about “Systemic Racism”?
Aug 9, 2021
John McWhorter, a prominent scholar known for dissecting language and race, delves into the concept of systemic racism. He questions its relevance in elite educational institutions like Brown and Columbia, arguing that labeling them as racist spaces is misguided. The discussion shifts to the importance of addressing racial inequities without the systemic label. McWhorter reflects on the persistence of anger in racial discourse and the rise of wokeness, while also inviting fresh, contentious topics for future conversations.
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Systemic Racism As A Rhetorical Move
- The phrase "systemic racism" is often used as a rhetorical weapon to deflect alternative explanations for disparities.
- McWhorter argues this usage short-circuits discussion by daring opponents to admit culturally or behaviorally rooted causes.
Historic Racism Has Long Social Echoes
- Historical structures of racial exclusion have a long tail that shapes present patterns like housing and policing.
- McWhorter acknowledges past systemic factors while rejecting the current blanket use of the term.
Use 'Racial Inequities' Not Moral Bludgeons
- Prefer the term "racial inequities" when diagnosing disparities because it focuses on measurable gaps rather than moral accusation.
- Avoid the distracting moralizing impulse that treats every disparity primarily as contemporary racist intent.