Is Racism Overdiagnosed in American Society?

The question of whether racism is overdiagnosed has been a subject of intense debate in recent years, particularly in the context of the United States. A key indicator of this debate is the voting behavior of different racial groups during the 2020 election. According to exit polls, a significant portion of white voters supported Donald Trump, while nearly all Black voters and a majority of Hispanic voters supported Joe Biden. This stark contrast reveals ongoing racial tensions within the American electorate.

The Reality Check: Analysis of Voter Behavior

During the 2016 and 2012 presidential elections, the dynamics of race and voting were even more pronounced. According to the data, a majority of white voters (58%) voted for Donald Trump, while only 37% supported Hillary Clinton. In contrast, the overwhelming majority of Black voters (88%) and a significant portion of Hispanic voters (65%) backed Clinton. On the 2012 side, 39% of white voters chose Mitt Romney, while 93% of Black voters and 71% of Hispanic voters backed Barack Obama. These statistics highlight the complexities of racial politics and the prevalence of racial divisions in American society.

The Elephant in the Exit Poll Results

The exit poll results provide a humbling reality check: most white women in fact supported Mitt Romney over Barack Obama. This reveals a deeper societal issue where race trumps gender identity in political affiliation. The existence of 'white feminism' and 'white womanhood' suggests that race-something, although not overtly labeled as racism, is very much present in the political discourse.

Is Racism Overdiagnosed: A Closer Look

Opinions on whether racism is overdiagnosed are mixed. On one hand, the wholesale adoption of critical race, gender, and queer theories has led to increased sensitivity and calls for identity-based politics. This trend may be counterproductive, as it can foster an environment where petty differences are exaggerated as acts of racism.

Moreover, the election and continued support for Donald Trump demonstrate that a significant portion of the American population remains racially divided and potentially racist. It's important to acknowledge that while racism can sometimes be overdiagnosed, there is a significant amount of dangerous, harmful racism present in both words and actions.

The Dangers of Overdiagnosis

One example of overdiagnosis is when minor missteps or outdated language are labeled as racist. While these incidents can be instructive, they can also be misused by right-wing groups to accuse the left of being overly politically correct and infringing on free speech. This can create a polarizing environment where genuine discourse is stifled.

On the other hand, there is a pervasive form of racism that goes largely unchecked and is far more harmful. This includes issues like police brutality against people of color, arbitrary police stops, increased arrests, and longer prison sentences. The use of language like "gang banger" to blame all gun violence is another subtle form of harmful rhetoric that disproportionately targets Black youth and provides a false narrative for gun rights advocates to arm themselves.

The Future of Race and Politics

In the coming decades, history may look back on this era and label it as a time when identity politics and political correctness reigned supreme. Memes and parties with 2020 themes may reference the frequent use of terms like 'racist,' 'homophobic,' and 'transphobic.' However, it is crucial to balance sensitivity with the understanding that real, harmful acts of racism persist and require addressing.

Overall, the debate around overdiagnosing racism is complex and multifaceted. While some instances may be exaggerated, the underlying issues of systemic racism and harmful practices remain significant and must be addressed.