Racism laundering is a controversial practice that’s becoming increasingly visible, thanks to whistle-blowers and ethical concerns within the media and the political landscape. This phenomenon involves using people of color to voice or endorse opinions that are divisive, and are bigoted. The Daily Mail’s recent ghostwriting scandal serves as a spotlight case, bringing this practice under scrutiny.

The Mechanics of Racism Laundering

“Powerful people and institutions are aware of how useful it is to have their own prejudices mirrored, rendered acceptable, laundered perhaps by a minority voice, with the effect that it ostensibly shields them from criticism.”

Nels Abbey

This quote comes from writer Nels Abbey, and it captures the core of racism laundering. He shines a light on how media outlets use this practice strategically. Their goal is to endorse controversial opinions. While, at the same time, avoiding accusations of bigotry. But what does this mean in terms of ethical implications?

A Case Study: Dominique Samuels and the Daily Mail

It all kicked off when Dominique Samuels a young Black right-wing commentator was approached by MailOnline to front an article that she describes as ghostwritten and racially divisive. This essential amounts to media outlets putting on black/brown face to peddle racist hot takes to denigrate minorities. Ultimately, this practice is damaging to the public discourse and may contribute to division and misunderstandings.

Samuels also alleged that a 2021 Daily Mail article under her name, which discussed Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex’s accusations of racism against the royals, was actually ghostwritten for her. Some media outlets appear to be strategic in their use of Black right-wing voices. These voices are often used to target minority groups. They also take aim at significant events and movements. Examples include the Notting Hill Carnival and the Black Lives Matter movement.

Considering that Black Brits make up just 3% of the population and have limited access to large media platforms for counter-narratives, this presents a glaring imbalance in public discourse. Although, Samuels added that the article did generally align with her views at that time. It raises questions about transparency and the distortion of a minority figure’s true beliefs.

Related | Racism Laundering at Work as Mica Paris Attacks Meghan Sussex

Beyond the Media: The Broader Implications of Racism Laundering

Aside from media organizations, there’s evidence of racism laundering in politics and public life. High-profile minority figures in the UK, like Kwasi Kwarteng, Priti Patel, and Suella Braverman, often express views that many find reactionary. The practice extends well beyond the media and into political realms where it can be even more damaging.

“Any school which teaches these elements of critical race theory or which promotes partisan political views, such as defunding the police without offering balanced treatment of opposing views, is breaking the law”

Kemi Badenoch, UK Tory Minister, at the end of a six-hour debate to mark Black History Month in 2020

From politics to social discourse, the echoes of racism laundering resounding. A white home secretary, post-Windrush, would find it far more challenging to push specific policies than a minority figure would, serving as a shield against allegations of racist policies. Badenoch would go on to say the UK is the “best place to be Black” speech to mark Black History Month, while a mere 24 hours before, a 61-year-old Black man was fatally stabbed in the neck in what police described is being treated as a “race hate crime”.

A Call for Reflection

“Before you jump on the outrage bandwagon ask yourself why some papers routinely pump out these sorts of narratives and who they are REALLY serving by keeping people divided.”

Nels Abbey

The issue of racism laundering invites deeper questions about societal divisions and how we allow narratives to be formed. It’s a call to consider the motives behind what we read and believe, especially in this age of clickbait and sensationalism.

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