A Common Sense Approach To Racism And Other Exclusivities

The Value of Whiteness

         Over the past 40 years the Tillman philosophy on racism and other exclusivities was deliberately taught to predominately White participants. Further, we targeted the American White power structure decision-makers.  Because the roots of racism are bred into the minds and souls of Whites, and because America’s power structure and decision-makers are White, this approach was logical and made common sense.  Over the years, however, we have taught this seminar with participants of different colors and nationalities including Whites.

         One of our teaching materials that we developed contained a set of “Propositions” which represented myths, stereotypes, and fallacies to be answered true or false.   There were 30 propositions that participants were given five minutes to answer.  We explained that these items were not to be thought about but felt about.  We asked for visceral or gut reactions.

         One question read: “Whites do not believe themselves superior to Blacks.  True or False.”

Black and White Participants invariably chose “False”.  The correct answer is True; Whites actually do not really believe themselves to be superior to Blacks.

         Let us examine the proposition from a common sense perspective.  If Whites really believed themselves to be superior to Blacks, why has the White power structure found it necessary during and since slavery to make it impossible for Blacks to compete on an equal basis with them?

         Why were Blacks during slavery beaten, maimed or killed for learning to read?  Why was any White person punished who taught a Black slave to read?  Why have educational policies been established since slavery to systematically keep the Black child in schools that are academically inferior to White schools?  Why is almost everything in our educational systems, including the attitudes and mindsets of White teachers (with rare exception), designed to push the White child forward and, conversely, hold the Black child back?  Is this done to perpetuate the myth of White superiority?  If the White decision-makers believed Whites to be intrinsically superior to Blacks, why do special advantages have to be given to Whites?

          Why has the whole of Western society found it necessary to figuratively tie one arm and one leg of the Blacks behind them so that Whites could win the race in the fields of education, the job market, economics, and in all other facets of American society?

         Why has it been necessary for the Whites to be given special, better, and more opportunities and privileges than Blacks?  Why the glass ceiling?  If Blacks were inferior, they would not even make it to the ceiling.

         If Whites really believed the propaganda of White superiority, the American social system would not have to fight so hard to keep Blacks from progressing educationally, economically, psychologically, physically and socially!   Do Whites really believe themselves to be superior to peoples of color?

         I am a strong believer that “the truth will set you free.”  The Afro- and Euro-American society have for too long been laboring under and struggling with a myth that has kept each group in psychological (satanic) and physical bondage.  The time has come for all people to live as God-created humans and not as tools to be used by Satan!

         A look at the basic human exclusivity syndrome - from which modern day racism emerged in the Western world - should open the eyes and minds of Afro-Americans and Euro-Americans.  Throughout history group superiority has been used as a means to gain power and control.