The NFL and Ending the Evil Trinity of Racism
People like comedian and political commentator Bill Maher, who support the NFL’s decision to remove the “End Racism” campaign slogan, now dismiss it as something that was “stupid to begin with.” His reasoning? That simply seeing the message was supposed to make a racist person change their beliefs.
What Maher and others who think this way fail to understand is that they are only looking at one part of racism. The “End Racism” campaign—like many other movements pushing for “First-Class Citizenship for All”—was never just about changing individual minds. It was about challenging what I call The Evil Trinity of Racism.
The Evil Trinity of Racism
Racism isn’t just about one person mistreating another. It operates on three levels that work together to maintain inequality: individual, institutional, and internalized racism. These three dynamics reinforce each other, making it harder for people of color to succeed and feel valued in society.
1. Individual Racism: Person-to-Person Prejudice
This is the form of racism most people recognize. It happens when someone treats another person unfairly because of their race—whether through racial slurs, discrimination, or exclusion. While this type of racism is harmful, it’s only one piece of a much larger system.
2. Institutional Racism: Unfair Systems and Policies
Institutional racism is built into laws, policies, and societal structures that disadvantage people of color, often in ways that aren’t immediately obvious. It affects education, healthcare, housing, employment, and the criminal justice system. For example, schools in Black and Latino neighborhoods often receive less funding, limiting opportunities for students. Similarly, Black and Latino people are more likely to be denied home loans or unfairly targeted by police. Even when no individual is acting with racist intent, the system itself creates obstacles.
3. Internalized Racism: When People Believe the Lies
Perhaps the most damaging, internalized racism happens when people of color start to believe the negative stereotypes imposed upon them. They may feel ashamed of their culture, doubt their abilities, or question their own worth. This self-doubt—shaped by both individual and institutional racism—can hold people back, even when they have the potential to succeed.
Breaking the Cycle
The Evil Trinity of Racism is a cycle—individual racism fuels institutional racism, which in turn leads to internalized racism. To truly combat racism, we must address all three. That means challenging racist behavior, dismantling unfair policies, and empowering people of color to reject harmful narratives about themselves. Only by tackling racism at every level can we create a society where everyone has a fair chance to thrive.
Learn more about institutional racism:
Institutional Racism - Health.com