Institutional racism

Sometimes it's not so obvious. Trying to detect it can be like grasping at a stream of water. You can see it and know it's there, but it slips through your fingers. Sometimes you're left with no evidence. It may not be a hate crime or maliciously worded picket posters. It may leave no proof that validates the experience of the victim. A fight against it may be met with logical excuses that strip away defenses and any possibility for change.

Institutional racism describes the racial discrimination that happens within systems that should be serving people equally. It could mean waiting longer to see the doctor. It could mean being stopped by a cop because you're black. It may mean not getting a job for which you are well qualified. It could be denied access to living in nicer neighborhoods because of racial discrimination in the housing and mortgage process. It could mean that every interaction with an institution is a reminder that you're seen differently.

Institutional racism is a phrase coined in the 1960's to give a name to something that was strongly felt but difficult to detect. Perhaps naming it was an attempt to make this form of racism something to be a little more easily grasped. And maybe if it can be named, then maybe it can be challenged and changed.

What stands in the way of our naming institutional racism for what it is?

Kimberly Cherry