Racial discrimination is not just a historical issue—it’s an ongoing reality. According to the Pew Research Center, three-quarters of Black Americans report experiencing racial discrimination, with 13 percent facing it regularly and 62 percent encountering it from time to time. These statistics are not random; they are the direct result of centuries-old policies and practices designed to uphold systemic racism.
Dante King, a historian and leading expert on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), is tackling this issue head-on in his latest book, “Diagnosing Whiteness and Anti-Blackness: A Forensic Analysis of Racism in America”. His research exposes how anti-Blackness is deeply embedded into the foundation of American culture through legal systems, religious institutions, and educational policies.
In an exclusive interview with BlackDoctor.org, King discusses the origins of white supremacy, how it continues to shape institutions today, and what must be done to dismantle these oppressive systems. His solution? A fearless reckoning with history, a dismantling of systemic structures, and a call for collective accountability.
Below is our conversation with King, where he shares shocking historical truths, the ongoing impact of racism, and why America may be on the path to self-destruction if these issues are not addressed.
Q: Can you start by introducing yourself?
A: Sure. My name is Dante King, and I am the author of “Diagnosing Whiteness and Anti-Blackness: A Forensic Analysis of Racism in America”. My work delves into the psychological, systemic, and historical roots of racial oppression in the United States.
Q: In your book, you explore the deep historical and systemic roots of racism in America. What inspired you to write this book, and what do you hope readers take away from it?
A: My research involved a thorough forensic analysis of how white male political leaders—both before and after the founding of the United States—articulated their views on race. Through this, I came to understand that American value systems, rooted in Eurocentric ideology, have long upheld anti-Blackness as a cultural norm.
One of the most striking aspects of this history is how early European attitudes toward African people were not just based on religion but also deeply tied to color. Colonial laws used terms like “inflection” and “color” to determine who could be enslaved or considered inferior. Over time, these legal constructs systematically targeted Black people.
I want readers to understand that anti-Blackness is not just a historical issue—it is deeply embedded in American law, culture, and psychology.
Q: You mention that racism is embedded in institutions like law, religion, education, and politics. How do these institutions continue to uphold racial discrimination today?
A: Absolutely. We see this playing out in real time. Every major institution in America was built on white dominance, from language to lawmaking. The rules and structures we abide by today were largely created and are still maintained by white men.
Non-European people exist in a system of forced assimilation where they must conform to white ideals to survive and thrive. American institutions were designed to uphold white supremacy, and even policies meant to promote diversity—such as affirmative action—are often under attack.
Historically, institutions like Harvard, Yale, and Columbia were central in promoting racist pseudosciences such as eugenics and phrenology. These ideologies have shaped societal norms and expectations, particularly regarding the value of Black people.
We also see this bias in political leadership. Take Donald Trump, for example. Despite his incompetence and criminal convictions, he remains widely supported. Meanwhile, Black leaders must work twice as hard to even be considered for similar roles. This discrepancy is a direct result of systemic racism.
Q: You mention Donald Trump and the heightened racial and political tensions in America. How do you see your work contributing to this conversation?
A: My hope is that my work compels society to critically analyze itself. The labels we use—such as “Black” or “white”—were created within a framework of racial oppression.
For example, many Black people struggle with the idea of “Blackness” because it was a label imposed upon us for purposes of control. Some now seek to redefine or even reject it, questioning what it truly means outside of a Eurocentric context.
I want to encourage self-discovery—what does it mean to be Black outside of white control? What does it mean to exist outside of the framework imposed by racism? These are the kinds of critical questions I explore in my work.
Q: Many people acknowledge that racism exists but struggle to take accountability for their role in it. How does collective accountability play a role in addressing anti-Blackness?
A: Collective accountability is crucial. Several books, such as “Racial Innocence” by Tanya Katerí Hernández, discuss how anti-Blackness is not just a white problem—it exists within Latino, Asian, and other communities as well.
For example, some Latino communities hold deeply anti-Black sentiments, and there are documented cases of Latinos discriminating against Black people. Similarly, Asian Americans are often used as a “model minority” to justify the oppression of Black communities, reinforcing harmful racial hierarchies.
All communities must engage in self-reflection and dismantle the anti-Black biases they have internalized. This is not just about Black people—racism dehumanizes everyone who participates in it.
Black people, too, must examine how we have internalized white supremacist ideals. For example, the idea of “Black excellence” is often rooted in white validation—celebrating success only when it aligns with white-defined standards of achievement. We need to redefine success and self-worth on our own terms.
Q: You advocate for dismantling systemic structures. How can we move toward real change?
A: Realistically, dismantling American institutions is nearly impossible without extreme consequences. The U.S. is a military state, and anyone who actively opposes its foundational structures risks imprisonment or worse.
Historically, those who have challenged systemic racism—Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr., Fred Hampton—have been targeted and assassinated. The legal system is flexible enough to be manipulated in favor of those in power, which makes change extremely difficult.
I do believe that America, as an empire, will eventually implode due to its own internal contradictions. You cannot build a nation on violence and exploitation without eventually facing the consequences. However, I am not advocating for destruction—I am advocating for deep self-reflection.
Rather than expecting institutions to fix themselves, we must work on repairing our own communities. Racism has divided us along racial, gender, and economic lines. If we want real change, we need to stop fighting each other and start focusing on collective liberation.
