Are We Back in the 1950s? Not Quite

Looking Back at My Words from 2013

Reading back on what I wrote in 2013 fills me with a mix of emotions: frustration, sadness, and an overwhelming sense of déjà vu. Back then, I warned about the resurgence of racism, the normalization of hate speech, and the dangers of political movements that no longer even bothered to hide their prejudices.

Now, in 2024, I see so many of those concerns not only validated but amplified. It feels like the seeds of division planted back then have grown into a garden of thorns, pricking at the progress we once thought was secure. Are we back in the 1950s? **Not quite.** But sometimes, it feels like we’re dangerously close.

What I Feared, and What Has Happened

In 2013, I wrote about my fears that people were growing desensitized to racism and that political correctness was being mocked as overly sensitive. Since then, we’ve seen the rise of political figures and movements that weaponize hate, thinly veiled behind terms like "free speech" and "anti-woke." These tactics have emboldened people to say and do things that would have been unthinkable a decade ago.

For example:

• The N-word and Racist Slurs: The casual use of racial slurs hasn’t diminished; in some cases, it’s worsened, with public figures refusing to acknowledge their harm. A 2019 Pew Research study showed that **71% of Black Americans** reported experiencing racial slurs in their lifetimes, with many saying it feels increasingly normalized in the digital age.
• Rise of Openly Racist Parties: In the 2010s, I warned about fringe parties gaining traction. Now, in 2024, many of those parties or ideologies have entered mainstream politics, influencing policies and rhetoric globally.
• Subtle and Overt Racism in Schools and Workplaces: I spoke about your son facing racism in 2013. Today, racial bias in schools and workplaces remains a pressing issue. For example, Black students are three times more likely to face suspension than white students in the US, reflecting persistent systemic inequities.

Are We Back in the 1950s?

No, we are not entirely back in the 1950s. There are undeniable differences. We have laws against segregation, a more diverse media landscape, and greater access to platforms where marginalized voices can be heard. But in some ways, the spirit of the 1950s' racism persists, just in more subtle—or even strategic—forms.

One thing that feels eerily similar is the boldness of hate. Just as openly racist ideologies were paraded in the 1950s, we now see individuals and groups using platforms to spread prejudice under the guise of "cultural pride" or "heritage." The **thin veneer of respectability has been stripped away** for many, leaving behind raw and unchecked bigotry.

What Comes Next?

In 2013, I ended my post with a plea: "Let’s stop this madness before it gets out of hand." That plea remains relevant today. But the question now is how we can stop it.

Here’s where we go from here:

• Education: We must invest in teaching history as it truly happened, not the whitewashed version. Children need to understand the horrors of the past so they can recognize the warning signs of its return.
• Active Resistance: It’s no longer enough to avoid racist actions. We must actively push back against racist policies, speech, and behavior when we see it.
• Unity Across Communities: Racism thrives when we are divided. Solidarity among marginalized communities—standing up for one another—is key to dismantling systems of hate.
• Amplifying Marginalized Voices: Use platforms to share the voices of those who have been silenced. Encourage authentic representation in media, politics, and leadership.

A Reflection on Hope

In 2013, I wrote that "hating didn’t work before, and it won’t work now." Those words still ring true. Racism is a cycle, but it doesn’t have to be endless. We have the tools, the knowledge, and the power to break it. What remains is the will.

As I reflect on my son’s experiences and the world he is growing up in, I feel both fear and determination. Fear for the challenges ahead, but determination that we can still make the world a better place for him—and for all our children.

Let’s take the lessons of the past decade—and the decades before it—and turn them into action. Together, we can make sure that the 1950s are a memory, not a future.