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Have the Lessons of Racism Truly Been Learned?

Have the Lessons of Racism Truly Been Learned?

Reading a book my husband brought me a while ago, knowing my fascination with Black history, has brought me back to reflecting on how things have evolved—or regressed—since I started writing about racism in **2014**. Apologies for my long hiatus from writing; there has been so much to say, yet at times, I have struggled to find the right words to express it all.

A Shift in Attitudes on Race

Over the last few months, I’ve noticed a*change in people’s stance on race. It’s a disheartening shift. Political parties, companies, and even everyday individuals seem far less concerned about the stigma of racism. The word itself seems to be losing its power to horrify, and more people feel emboldened to openly justify their discriminatory beliefs and actions.

I find myself wondering: How would the civil rights activists who sacrificed so much for equality feel about this? Would they be heartbroken at the erosion of tolerance, respect, and perspective that they fought so hard to instill? Or would they nod knowingly, perhaps unsurprised that progress often comes in waves rather than a straight path forward?

Am I Naïve to Be So Surprised?

Perhaps I’m too young—or too idealistic—to be so surprised at the resurgence of old prejudices. Racism has always been there, lurking beneath the surface. But now, immigration policies, political rhetoric, and social media seem to have given people permission to express their hidden contempt for those who look or live differently than they do.

The root of this, I believe, stems from *fear. Fear of losing power, identity, or opportunities. Fear of the unknown or the "other." This fear festers, leading to hatred, contempt, and division. And yet, despite all we’ve endured as a society, it seems we’re back at the beginning, facing the same questions and the same hate.

Have the Lessons of History Been Learned?

Most of us—if not all—have been hurt by racism in some way. We’ve felt the sting of being "othered," of being discriminated against, of being told we don’t belong. And yet, here we go again.

I can’t help but wonder:*Have we truly learned the lessons of history? Or are we doomed to repeat the same cycles of fear, hate, and division? Civil rights leaders dreamed of a better world for us, but the reality we face today seems like a betrayal of their sacrifices. Perhaps I’m being cynical. Perhaps the progress we’ve made is real but fragile, requiring constant vigilance to protect.

Final Thoughts

As I reflect on my thoughts from 2014 and compare them to where we stand today, I feel a mix of frustration, sadness, and determination. We cannot let racism continue to spread unchecked, becoming normalized once again. We must honor the sacrifices of those who came before us and continue the fight for equality—not just for ourselves, but for future generations.

*ave the lessons of racism truly been learned? If not, what will it take for us to learn them? These are the questions that haunt me as I look at the world today.

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