Comment at Truthout where historian Ibram X. Kendi discusses the root and cures of racism in America:
Dr. Kendi clearly defined the causal relationship: economic benefit precedes racist ideas precedes persistent cultural racism. This relationship applies to *all* manner of division, not just racism.
Economic benefited class -> 'theory' of inequality -> policy and culture of inequality
some examples:(1) big Republican donors -> trickle-down/supply-side economics -> 'deregulation' & right to work(2) religious right -> abortion is murder -> post Roe v. Wade abortion restrictions(3) POTUS DJT (and other politicians) -> 'illegal' aliens are criminals -> mass deportation
The cure for these inequities is not embedded in their theories or policies. Because they are rooted in economic inequality (unequal economic power), their cure is to equalize economic power. And the secret to decentralizing power is information transparency/dissemination. The wealth/power of modern corporations and institutions are derived directly from the information they control or 'own' (patents, copyrights, trademarks, branding, proprietary/trade secrets, 'national security' secrets, etc.). Looser controls on information would increase opportunities for economic competition and, over time, decrease economic disparity.
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