Racism, Retaliation and Othering

#perspective

Othering refers to the process of viewing or treating someone as fundamentally different from oneself or one’s own group. When we other someone, we simplify them to a single aspect of their identity, often leading to discrimination and prejudice. Here are some key points related to othering and racism:

1. Structural Racism and Residential Segregation:

• The Roots of Structural Racism Project investigates racial residential segregation in the United States. Shockingly, 81% of metropolitan regions with over 200,000 residents were more segregated in 2019 than in 1990. Rustbelt cities like Detroit, Cleveland, and Milwaukee top the list of most segregated cities1.

• Neighborhood poverty rates are highest in segregated communities of color, affecting Black and Latino residents disproportionately. Integrated neighborhoods lead to better outcomes for children’s future earnings and overall well-being.
  

1. Retaliation and Labeling:

• When someone makes a racist comment, people often retaliate by labeling them as racist. This cycle perpetuates division and prevents meaningful dialogue23.

• It’s essential to recognize that retaliation and labeling can hinder progress toward understanding and addressing racism.

1. Impact of Othering:

• Othering fuels racism, sexism, homophobia, and transphobia. These forms of intolerance often stem from the belief that members of certain groups are fundamentally different4.

• Understanding the structural roots of racial othering is crucial for promoting anti-racist actions

I want to acknowledge that I am writing this from a place of privilege. I am a straight-white-man. That said, My father is Jewish and I’ve experienced limited discrimination from being subjected to antisemitic comments and beliefs.