Systemic racism hides in plain sight: Tricia Rose discusses “Metaracism” on Story In The Public Square

It’s not enough to focus on individual actions and perspectives when talking about racism. Systemic racism is hiding in plain sight and has a deep, disproportionately negative impact on Black Americans.

This clip includes selected highlights from Tricia Rose’s appearance on Story In The Public Square which aired in June, 2024.

In conversation with Jim Ludes and G. Wayne Miller, Tricia explains that the narrow definition of racism as personal attitude supports the denial of powerful forms of systemic racism. Systems thinking draws our attention away from the idea that changing personal beliefs is the key to stamping out racism. Instead, it reveals the network of interconnecting policies and practices that create devastating “metaeffects.” Tricia argues that systems thinking is a problem-solving approach that connects us. It helps us identify leverage points for change and routes toward systemic justice. 

Watch the full appearance on PBS.

Learn more about Tricia’s new book, Metaracism: How Systemic Racism Devastates Black Lives—and How We Break Free