Racism is Not a Political View

Too often in today’s climate, racism and racist ideologies are dismissed as nothing more than “political opinions.” This framing is not only misleading, but also dangerous. Racism is not about left or right. It’s not about conservative or liberal. It’s about right and wrong. When we reduce racism to a mere difference of opinion, we minimize the very harm, violence, and inequality it produces. Racism strips people of their humanity. It seeks to silence voices, deny dignity, and denigrate existence. It is not a debate over policy or public priorities; it is an attack on human worth.

Political debates, at the core, are about policy. People can and will disagree over how tax dollars should be spent, how schools should be structured, or what strategies best grow the economy. These are important conversations that shape our communities and deserve thoughtful dialogue. But racism is something entirely different. It is not an alternative viewpoint to be tolerated or excused. It is a force that thrives on division, perpetuates injustice, and seeks to normalize inequality. To conflate racism with politics is to blur the line between what is a matter of preference and what is a matter of morality.

As leaders, citizens, and people of faith, we must be clear; racism is wrong. Period. It is not up for debate, negotiation, or rationalization. The work of justice requires us to confront racism head on, not dismiss it as another item on a political agenda. If we are serious about building a society where everyone can thrive, we must stop confusing the two. Political differences are negotiable. Human dignity is not.