I absolutely believe that the historical events, policies and practices of the united states continue to impact current events policies and practices today. At first, I wondered what happens that we can't seem to learn from prior mistakes. Then I realized, not everyone would categorized them as mistakes. Particulary when it means that a particular group (white americans) continue to benefit from those historical decisions. And I think this: even if you don't fully know the history, the mere willingness to look away so that you can continue to keep your benefits- is just as much an active way to perpetuate continued racism. It's uncomfortable and also true.
I think you are absolutely right Aimee. In my experience White Americans, me being one, do not even want to consider that they benefit from that oppressive and traumatizing history. They meet these truths with defensiveness instead of owning it and being a part of healing.
I am constantly shocked at how many white Americans still do this. There are those that buck that trend but it is disheartening that there is still so much racism in so many forms still today. I live in the south and sometimes, I feel embarrassed to admit it but after watching all of these videos, it is obvious that the south is not alone in its past of racism and inability to move forward with solutions.
I live in the Midwest and it is everywhere here. Maybe just a little less overt, which can be just as infuriating!
This comment really makes me think about all of the subtle and covert ways that our biases show. These implicit biases require and demand our full reflection. I am consistently wondering how we can be more active to call each other out with productive outcomes on these implicit biases.