How Racists Don’t See Themselves—From Apartheid to Today

It’s wild how some racists truly believe they’re “helping,” when all they’re really doing is causing more harm. A lot of people think that if they’re not the ones yelling slurs, marching with torches, or physically attacking anyone, then they “can’t be racist.” But racism isn’t just in the violence—it’s in the mindset.

Look at history. Take apartheid-era South Africa, where people like Elon Musk’s father, Errol Musk, lived during a system built on racial oppression. Many white South Africans during that time believed they were “helping” Black South Africans by “maintaining order” or “keeping society stable.” They didn’t see themselves as racist because they weren’t personally whipping someone or throwing stones—but they still benefited from, supported, or silently upheld a racist system.

And that’s exactly how racism shows up today. It hides behind “good intentions.” It hides behind the excuses:
“I didn’t mean it like that.”
“I’m just trying to help you.”
“I’m not racist—I’m nothing like those people!”

But harm is harm, whether it arrives with a snarl or a smile. You don’t have to be the one doing the persecuting to uphold a system built on prejudice.

If you really want to help, start with listening. Start with questioning your assumptions. Start with understanding how impact matters more than intent. That’s where real change begins.