"Radley uses the term “systemic,” whereas I prefer the term “structural.” They’re often used interchangeably. But I think the term “structural” is a bit broader, and maybe a little less loaded."
This is a huge distinction I think. It's less loaded because "systemic" makes people react defensively -- "Hey! I'm part of the system! Stop calling me racist". "Structural" points out that the structure is built up out of racist blocks and still has a racial outcome without being accusatory.
I hadn't thought about that aspect of it, but perhaps that is another benefit. Ultimately, though, I don't think we can focus on trying to keep people from being defensive. A lot of us are going to have to remain uncomfortable, and come to grips with the societal issues, the impact on real people, AND our discomfort.
Oh, certainly! But cultural change is a long process, and I think there's a place for incremental improvement.
My father-in-law was a parole officer years ago. He's also 65 years old and from Southwest Florida. If I point out to him that the criminal justice system is systemically racist he would defensively refuse to believe it. If I can say it in a way that won't make him defensive, and instead gets him thinking, then down the road there's room for further discussion and growth.
"Radley uses the term “systemic,” whereas I prefer the term “structural.” They’re often used interchangeably. But I think the term “structural” is a bit broader, and maybe a little less loaded."
This is a huge distinction I think. It's less loaded because "systemic" makes people react defensively -- "Hey! I'm part of the system! Stop calling me racist". "Structural" points out that the structure is built up out of racist blocks and still has a racial outcome without being accusatory.
I hadn't thought about that aspect of it, but perhaps that is another benefit. Ultimately, though, I don't think we can focus on trying to keep people from being defensive. A lot of us are going to have to remain uncomfortable, and come to grips with the societal issues, the impact on real people, AND our discomfort.
Oh, certainly! But cultural change is a long process, and I think there's a place for incremental improvement.
My father-in-law was a parole officer years ago. He's also 65 years old and from Southwest Florida. If I point out to him that the criminal justice system is systemically racist he would defensively refuse to believe it. If I can say it in a way that won't make him defensive, and instead gets him thinking, then down the road there's room for further discussion and growth.