Race Baiting - What Is Really Being Said

Bantu Stephen Biko said "The most potent weapon in the hands of the oppressor is the mind of the oppressed." There are many ways that the oppressor controls the oppressed using this weapon. One of those ways is with words. As any writer knows the choice and arrangement of words is a vital tool in relaying to the reader. It can be done consciously and/or subconsciously. During centuries of oppression of the descendants of Africa in America, African Americans have met a barrage of control via words and their assigned meanings. Wording is also used to control those who would oppress. Catchy sound bites and phrases are often used. Discussing and challenging the use of one of these phrases is the goal of this post. In weaponizing the sound bite "Race Baiting," has the oppressor successfully manipulated the minds of those who would oppress and those who are oppressed?