During an interview on the talk show “The Real,” Lee Daniels said racism isn’t real to him because he never “embraced” it and credits it for his television and film success. He also said if he embraced racism he would have become an angry black man.

Let’s start by understanding this fact, racism is very real and does exist. Now let’s define embrace, to embrace is to accept or support a belief, theory, or change willingly and enthusiastically. I don’t know many non-racists who “embrace” racism. But for him to pretend like it doesn’t exist and attribute that to his success is reckless to say the least. We shouldn’t embrace it but knowing that is lives in some people also won’t make us angry people.

I know and understand that racism exist, I just choose not to use that as an excuse to not be successful. I look at racism for what it is and do my part to make this world a better place. I teach my children to love themselves and others. I treat people the way I want to be treated. I work my ass off to become successful and don’t let hurdles get in my way.

Not embracing racism is great but pretending like it doesn’t exist is dangerous. The first step to recovery is admitting there is a problem. If say racism doesn’t exist it will continue to be a problem. An alcoholic can’t start the recovery process until they first admit they have a problem. Living in a fantasy doesn’t change the harass reality that so many people have to live with daily.