TO BE WHITE OR HUMAN, THAT IS THE CHOICE BEFORE YO
Question: Do you think that there is something inherent in us, in whites, that undervalues someone whose skin is not the same color as ours?
Toni Morrison: It’s not inherent at all, it’s taught. It’s taught by Theologians, it’s been taught by scientists. Racism is a scholarly affair. It is totally engrained in the education that we receive. The history. Encyclopedias are full of outrageous claims about whiteness and about blackness…You can feel better. No matter what your pitiful little life is like. No matter how many times you lose. No matter how poor your existence, if you encounter a black person you can feel better.
Question: You said, “In the final analysis, they’ll give me up. If the trucks pass, and they have to make a choice, they will put me on that truck.” What did you mean?
Toni Morrison: I meant that In the final analysis if they have to choose to be white or to be human, and I was the key, they might choose to be white for those reasons. Being human is hard. It’s very hard. And I’m not so sure that white people in general would make that choice.
Toni Morrison's perspectives on race challenge societal norms and provoke critical thought about identity and existence. Racism is deeply embedded in education and culture, impacting how individuals perceive themselves and others. In discussing the stark choice between being white and being human, Morrison emphasizes that this choice is not one of inherent qualities but of taught values. Understanding the historical context of racism helps us dismantle these ingrained perceptions. Morrison encourages introspection about how societal values shape our beliefs about race. The role of education, particularly in the sciences and theology, is crucial in shaping attitudes toward race. We must confront the narratives surrounding whiteness and blackness as they significantly impact our identities and experiences. Moreover, Morrison’s assertion prompts important questions: Are we willing to embrace humanity over racial identity? The external pressures and societal constructs may lead individuals to prioritize racial identity over shared human experiences. This discussion is vital in fostering empathy and understanding across racial lines. By critically examining our biases and the historical roots of racism, we can aspire to make conscious choices that affirm our shared humanity.
