“True change comes from outside the system”: Systemic racism in America and why Biden might not be the solution

It is clear that the need for social justice has escalated this year as a result of America’s fundamental issues regarding racial inequality.

The 2020 Black Lives Matter movement triggered by the death of George Floyd is just one example of how America can influence a sea of change across several nations.

However, with the presidential election only recently being called in favour of the Democrats, attentions are now turning towards what a Biden presidency might look like.

One US student told us how she feels about a new era in US politics and how it could influence change.

Hafeezat Bishi, 20, from New Jersey, told Platform that she fears the fundamental issues that exist in America’s system will not be eradicated with a simple exchange of power from Republicans and Democrats.

The communication and social influence major at Temple university said: “I know a lot of well-meaning white people, but they weren’t given the experiences of a Black woman living in America.

“People are quick to attribute America’s issues to Trump alone; what we need is for people to divorce the idea that Trump caused these issues and that they will go away once he’s gone.

“He spreads these ideals, yes, but he did not create them.”

Obama’s election in 2008 promised a new dawn for social justice in America, with the first African American taking residence in the White House.

It was a day that promised equality and a victory that promised ambition, but for many, it was a short-lived dream.

Civil justice organisations in America noted an increase in racially motivated hate crimes just days after Obama’s election, a number which only increased as a result of Trump’s anti-immigrant campaign.

Hafeezat said: “These issues won’t improve with a Biden presidency because regardless of who is in the White House, it won’t change the system.

“True change comes from outside the system and Biden does not have clearance for racism issues.

“Even in Obama’s presidency there were still issues, because it runs through the system and there is no desire to change.”

However, Hafeezat does admit that things were worsened by Donald Trump’s presidency that started in 2016.

“It’s like on the one side, Trump has radicalized people to believe that racism doesn’t exist, but the minorities have been emboldened to work against him.

“It’s all about power, and who threatens that power.

“People want justice and equality, but Trump doesn’t want the minorities to have equality because that would mean him losing power.

“The minorities in America threaten his power.”

Whilst the Black Lives Matter movements across the globe in May and June of this year demonstrate a wider understanding and appreciation for the struggles minorities face in society, Hafeezat knows there is still a long way to go before equality.

“People need to listen to understand, don’t listen to respond; this isn’t about you.

“Once you decentre yourself and stop saying ‘I think this’ or ‘I think that’, that’s when change can happen.

“It’s hard to learn how to do better because accepting the reality you’re living in is difficult, it’s easier to just resist it.

“I don’t know why people are racist, I would love to know what causes it.”

By Faith Pring

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