LETTER: Victor Davis Hanson column on wokeness was out of touch

Lynn Pearson Henderson

3 years ago

In this Wednesday, June 24, 2020, photograph, a woman walks past a mural in tribute to Frederic ... — In this Wednesday, June 24, 2020, photograph, a woman walks past a mural in tribute to Frederick Douglass on the exterior wall of the Black-owned Slade’s Bar and Grill in the South End neighborhood of Boston. Many from outside Boston have recently ordered takeout, purchased gift cards and supported the restaurant amid nationwide protests against racism. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

In response to Victor Davis Hanson’s Sunday column, “The systemic con game driving wokeism”: As a person privileged to be unaffected by racism, Mr. Hanson arrogantly dismisses it. He’s so out of touch, he seems to think a minority blessed enough to have financial means doesn’t experience racism and shouldn’t say anything about it.

He couldn’t be more wrong.

Many celebrities have shared stories of racism they experienced until they were recognized. What is appalling is that someone would think it’s acceptable to mistreat someone until they realize their target is a celebrity or has money.

As I explain to my non-minority acquaintances, if you don’t have racist beliefs or tendencies, you likely associate with like-minded people and racism wouldn’t be directed at you. So how would you really know the level of hate that walks among us? They really have very limited, if any, exposure.