By Madeline Tanaka
Racism has often been seen as obvious acts of hatred toward a marginalized group and, more recently acknowledged, microaggressions such as subtle quips and behaviors. These are all forms of racism that need to be addressed, and the term “microaggressions” is used more often than the category of racism that it falls under: passive racism. According to EBSCO’s “Covert racism in the United States,” passive or covert racism “refers to a form of racial discrimination practiced within society that is subtle as opposed to obvious,” and it can be manifest in many more forms than just microaggressions—namely, being a bystander in the face of injustice.
Silence as an attempt at neutrality is almost counterintuitive. Without intending to, condoning racial inequality and minimizing the consequences of it, automatically makes racism socially acceptable. It allows the offender to believe they can evade repercussions because failing to speak against it emphasizes a narrative that racial inequality can be normalized.
Remaining a spectator in situations involving an unknown person promotes a pro-racist agenda, but because you’re a stranger, it matters less to others that you’re static in the face of prejudice. However, observing a circumstance including friends and choosing to remain implicit toward their actions markets yourself as someone who aligns your beliefs with theirs. Even if you disagree, assimilating yourself into a group of individuals who do not value equality often ends in being manipulated until you don’t either—a result of your own ignorance.
But as with other societal issues, passive racism, along with racism as a whole, can be overcome. Particularly in times like these—living in a society impatient for change—now is the time to act. A community of voices outweighs a single voice, thus, as individuals, we must unify and protest against all forms of religious and racial oppression. A lack of confidence certainly affects one’s willingness to speak up, yet the importance of curating a world where no group has to fear suffering at the hands of another has to be the more desirable possibility. At the end of the day, we are all deserving of a world without persecution.
To tolerate racism is to practice it. When we frame bigotry as a mere difference of opinion or an awkward social interaction to be “managed,” we stop being bystanders and become architects of its survival. Psychology and sociology show us that silence isn’t an empty space—it’s a loud endorsement. When you observe systemic inequality, you have an obligation to use your voice against it and reject the message that it doesn’t matter. By refusing to become a stagnant bystander, you turn yourself into a contributor to the end of racial inequality.