Navigating Racism in Cedar Rapids: Insights and Experiences

Racism, a widespread but nuanced issue, often manifests differently in various communities. This article delves into the experiences of racism in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, based on firsthand accounts and observations. It aims to highlight the complex and sometimes subtle nature of racial prejudice in this Midwestern city, while also acknowledging its religious diversity.

Open and Subtle Racism

Understanding the climate of racism in Cedar Rapids requires a nuanced perspective. While open hostility is less common, there is a layer of concealed prejudice that can be quite disturbing. One individual who lived in the city elaborates: 'I think they are pretty racist. Also very VERY 2-faced. They will be friendly AF to your face but then turn around on you and talk shit to the point its a problem.' This kind of subtle discrimination is often more challenging to address because it is not overtly confrontational.

The example provided involves a grocery store experience. The author worked in a specific store where racism and sexism were evident when they thought the employees were not addressing someone in a particular audience: 'Very (but only if you don’t ask them in front of their neighbors or casual acquaintances). Ask them in front of an audience and “no, I’m not.”'

Religious Diversity and Tolerance

Despite the challenges, Cedar Rapids stands out as a city that is notably religiously diverse. According to the author, 'Cedar Rapids is probably the most religiously diverse city in Iowa. I attended the Cedar Rapids Zen Center there for several years. The oldest mosque in America called The Mother Mosque of America is in Cedar Rapids. There is a Cedar Rapids Interreligious Faith Council there and a representative from about every religion you can think of is there.'

However, religion and diversity do not necessarily translate to complete racial harmony. The author notes, 'I’m not sure how racist that city is but you don’t have to hide your religious beliefs that is for sure.' The coexistence of diverse religious beliefs does not automatically eliminate racial tensions.

Challenges and Changes

The experiences shared highlight the persistent nature of racism and its continued presence in seemingly liberal environments. For many, the notion that racism is a thing of the past remains an illusion. The author, initially from a northern region, was shocked to discover racism continuing in a form that was hidden. Charlize Theron, the actress, has also written compellingly on this topic, often referred to as 'white fragility.'

These experiences stress the importance of awareness and vigilance in detecting and addressing racism. The author’s encounters with overt racism during date-related activities further emphasize the deep-seated nature of prejudice: 'If you don’t believe me- Trump wasn’t enough proof-or wanna see for yourself just try going on what appears to be a date. Go with someone that is visibly not the same race as your race. Watch the swarms of swastikas come crawling out of the woodwork.'

Concluding Thoughts

While Cedar Rapids presents itself as a forward-thinking and diverse city, the author’s experiences and observations demonstrate that deep-seated racism persists. The challenge lies in acknowledging these realities and taking active steps to address them. Understanding and addressing hidden prejudices are crucial for building genuinely inclusive and equitable communities.