Last week, Melissa Hortman, a white woman and the Minority Leader in the Minnesota House of Representatives, called out a number of her colleagues—specifically white males, in this case—for playing cards in the retiring room during the speeches of other House representatives. Her subsequent remarks suggested that this is a rather commonplace occurrence during the speeches of women, and particularly women of color. You can read all about the absurdity that followed here, but in short, a number of Hortman’s white male colleagues—in a magnificent demonstration of white fragility—complained that her statement was racist (yes, racist) and called for her to apologize.
Now, to anyone with half a brain (and/or a modicum of decency) this is asinine on too many levels to count, but it highlights a continuing need to explain to some what racism is (and isn’t). To that end, let’s take a look at a few definitions of racism (n.):
-prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against someone of a different race based on the belief that one’s own race is superior. (Oxford)
-a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capabilities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race. (Merriam-Webster)
-the belief that some races are better than others, or the unfair treatment of someone because of his or her race. (Cambridge)
And racist (adj.):
-showing or feeling discrimination or prejudice against people of other races, or believing that a particular race is superior to another. (Oxford)
To be sure, these are definitions of racism in its strictest sense—there are others, which better delve into the power aspect of racism. But for our current purposes, these suffice to illustrate the ignorance of the House reps who called Hortman’s statement “racist.” It should be immediately clear where the problems lie (after all, I did italicize them for you). Hortman is, firstly, the same race as those whom she called out. Her statement therefore, cannot, by definition, be “racist.” In fact, it more so suggests that the white male legislators engaged in racist behaviors by deeming the comments and positions of minority women not worthy of their time and attention. Invoking a particular race or ethnicity does not make a statement inherently “racist,” and it is frankly a sad state of affairs that it’s necessary to explain this fact to people elected to represent multi-ethnic constituencies in our (allegedly) progressive state. Furthermore, Hortman’s comments did not, in any way whatsoever, imply any kind of racial superiority. In fact, it could be argued that she was actually calling for equality.
[Side rant: This is an important distinction which makes an equally important point: asking for, expecting, or demanding equality on behalf of a race is not (and by definition cannot be) “racist,” because equality is not superiority. (I’m talking to you, “All Lives Matter” people.) Likewise, asking, expecting or demanding that one’s rights not be infringed, is not an infringement of your rights. In other words, the fact that you can’t discriminate against others is not discrimination against you. I see and hear this contention all the time, especially from some on the religious right who insist that being forced to serve homosexuals (or others with whom they disagree) is a violation of their religious freedoms. Bullshit. That’s not how it works. Your personal freedoms don’t extend to taking or circumventing the freedoms of others. Allow me to illustrate this with a very simple example: an American Muslim (whose right to practice whatever religion they wish is protected by the First Amendment) fervently believes that one who denies Allah should be put to death. Is it therefore acceptable for them to murder atheists? Of course not. This is obviously an extreme example, but the logic holds. In order for people to be equal, we must not only be free to believe as we wish, but we must also be free from the beliefs of others.]
Conceivably, one might argue that Representative Hortman’s comments were in poor taste, or in violation of the stated rules of the House, but I think we’ve effectively nullified the asinine assertion that they were “racist.” Personally, I commend her courage in defending her colleagues and for calling attention to the behaviors of her white male counterparts in the legislature. At best, they were lazy and disrespectful. At worst, they were patently racist. Gentlemen, you should be the ones to apologize. Quit crying because you were (rightly) called out for your indecorum. Grow up. Engage with your constituents and colleagues. Make Minnesota better. That is the job you’ve been sent to do. If that requires more energy and effort than you are willing or able to give, then perhaps you (or we) should reconsider your role in government.