Europeans know all about American racism. But Americans know very little about European racism, especially modern European racism. Ever wonder why that is?
That's my point. In most parts of the world someone could discuss American issues of racism like they studied under Cornel West. 5 minutes later they might say, in an off-handed comment, that group X is lazy and/or mostly criminals. And they'll never make the connection. It's mind-boggling.
Which isn't to say that plenty of Americans don't deny racism. They just have to work much harder at it, and they at least realize that their opinion is non-normative (even if it's technically the majority opinion).
Europe is racist as all get out. I, as a brown man, never once felt like I belonged or had a chance of belonging. Urban America on the other hand never made me feel out of place (More rural places are different: my wife and I still get asked if we need separate checks).
I agree that Europe is racist unfortunately however I recollect serious ghettos in New York. I stayed on a Jewish Street in Brooklyn and there were practically 90% orthodox Jews in the area who avoided me like the plague (I'm white)... I walked a few blocks south and I was the only white guy. The black people there were very friendly and helpful but I could tell my presence was a novelty. I've never seen anything like that in Europe. The other thing that I notice is that race is on the top of everyone's mind all the time in the states to the point that it is a serious problem even when it shouldn't be.
That's my point. In most parts of the world someone could discuss American issues of racism like they studied under Cornel West. 5 minutes later they might say, in an off-handed comment, that group X is lazy and/or mostly criminals. And they'll never make the connection. It's mind-boggling.
Which isn't to say that plenty of Americans don't deny racism. They just have to work much harder at it, and they at least realize that their opinion is non-normative (even if it's technically the majority opinion).