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Maybe we need a more in-depth strategy that breaks down what racism really means that goes beyond just one blanket term for everybody. Perhaps we should start to acknowledge there are different types and severities of racism. People’s understanding of what is racist is also different, depending on their upbringing and education.
Tweeting #AllLivesMatter may be an intentional misdirection to avoid acknowledging the struggles of black communities but it is not exactly on the same level as Jim Crow. It could be starting on the path towards such things but perhaps we could help people off it with more constructive language other than just “you’re racist”. People may be more open to addressing their racial biases if they weren’t always painted with the same brush as those who fought to own slaves or supported segregation.
It could be suggested separating racism into multiple tiers may help us achieve this by addressing a person’s attitudes more specifically. Without them being grouped among those who support lynching black people, when they likely don’t, and doubling down as a result.
Examples of tiers could be:
