Growing up in America, I believed my upbringing was as typical as anyone else’s. Born to Taiwanese immigrants in Hayward, California, we later moved to a more affluent, predominantly white suburb for access to an excellent public school system, where I thrived academically. My parents and the education system instilled in me the notion that America was a place of freedom and equality, where everyone had a fair shot.
But that perspective was fundamentally flawed, and I’ve since come to realize it. You might assume that my understanding of racism was shaped by an unusual Asian-American lens, but like many, I absorbed anti-Black sentiments from the culture around me—from my schooling, media representations, and the predominantly white community I was part of. Anti-Blackness is woven into the fabric of American society.
I never perceived myself as anti-Black or racist. I believed I judged individuals by their character rather than their appearance. Since my family arrived in the U.S. in 1976, I thought we were unaffected by the country’s racial issues; these were problems of a bygone era, often associated with the more overtly racist elements of society. I thought America had moved beyond its past, especially since we celebrate figures like Martin Luther King Jr.
I saw myself as a decent person—perhaps not perfect, but not outrightly prejudiced. However, this limited understanding of racism missed the point. Combatting racism involves more than just avoiding offensive language or posturing publicly; it requires a fundamental shift in perspective that can be daunting. It forces you to question your accomplishments and the privileges you’ve experienced. It can feel like an attack on your identity, especially if you, too, have faced prejudice as a person of color.
The reality is that Black individuals face significant challenges. Due to systemic biases, they experience a shorter life expectancy and higher rates of various health issues. Black women are particularly vulnerable, facing a tripled risk of dying from complications related to pregnancy compared to white women. Moreover, Black Americans are disproportionately subjected to police violence.
As a non-Black person of color, I have choices: I can ignore these issues, be apathetic, or actively engage in dismantling the anti-Black sentiments I’ve internalized. I choose the latter. The truth is, I often struggle to identify my own ingrained anti-Blackness. If Black individuals experience internalized oppression, why wouldn’t I carry some of that burden too? Confronting my biases is a process, and while I’m making progress, there’s still much to learn.
I’m committed to fighting against anti-Blackness not only because it’s beneficial for me as a non-Black person of color, but because it’s the right thing to do. Numerous Black individuals have offered me kindness and insight, often at their own emotional expense, as they pointed out the systemic racism that exists within me and our society. Yet, my fight against anti-Blackness isn’t about thanking them. It’s about recognizing the humanity of Black individuals, full stop. They deserve to be treated with dignity—not because of their relationships with others, but simply because they are human.
Real change goes beyond superficial gestures like changing a social media profile picture. It requires a deep reprogramming of how we perceive the world, recognizing the insidious nature of anti-Blackness that fuels white supremacy. This is a practice—one that feels awkward but is necessary. It means reevaluating the narratives we consume, the art we appreciate, and the social circles we inhabit. It involves confronting feelings of discomfort and actively listening to the diverse experiences of Black people, who are not a monolithic group.
As parents, we must teach our children to recognize and resist anti-Blackness, even if it means challenging their innocence. Black mothers often have to prepare their children for the harsh realities they face. Shouldn’t we strive to create a society where no one is marginalized due to their skin color?
The anti-Blackness I’ve absorbed throughout my life is deeply entrenched. It’s unrealistic to think that one enlightening moment or article can undo a lifetime of conditioning. It requires a sustained commitment to unlearn and combat anti-Blackness because Black lives matter—period.
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Summary:
This article delves into the author’s journey as a person of color, recognizing the ingrained anti-Blackness that exists within society, including their own experiences. It emphasizes the need for continuous self-reflection, education, and active resistance against racism, particularly anti-Black sentiments, advocating for a deeper understanding of Black humanity and the systemic issues they face.