Anti-racism
What is Anti-Racism?
Anti-racism refers to a form of action against racial hatred, bias, systemic racism and oppression of marginalized groups. Anti-racism is usually structured around conscious efforts and deliberate actions to provide equitable opportunities for all people on an individual and systemic level.
How can you become an Anti-racist?
It is not enough to not be racist. There has to be a constant acknowledgement by white people that racism really exists. You have to actively dismantle systems, privileges and everyday practices that reinforce and normalize the contemporary dimensions of white dominance.
This is a partial step in becoming an anti- racist. Achieving this you have to also educate yourselves and others about white supremacy, speaking up when you observe racists acts, and actively working towards eliminating racist policies and practices.
Understanding the tenet of anti-racism is the belief all races and ethnic groups are equal and deserving of the same opportunities, but the most important part of anti-racism is the next step, which is doing something about
the existing inequality.
To become an anti-racist you have to further self-educate yourself through books, articles, videos, podcasts and other anti-racist resources. This self-awareness creates heightened self-learning which will ultimately support work that already is being done to hopefully assist in providing equality for all. Many people have begun to educate themselves, but it is important and up to you to encourage others, as well, to become anti-racist.
Although you may be doing your part in advocating anti-racist work; others around you may not be. Sit down with your friends and loved ones and commit to the difficult conversations concerning anti-racism. Give them the opportunity to change their minds or at least allow them to attempt to make a conscious choice to change their minds, because
ultimately by doing so may save lives. Remember everyone can be a racist, but everyone can also be an anti-racist.
Is being an ally enough?
Being an ally, with sympathetic words, to your Black friends is not enough. You must sacrifice in some way by using your white privilege to take action against racism, ie: it not enough to say to a police officer, when you are witnessing the police officer physically attacking a passive, unarmed Black citizen for no apparent legitimate reason, by saying, “that is not right harassing that person; I have your name tag!” Knowing the confrontational words would have no
effect. This is just white privilege trying to intervene.
The time to fight for justice and equality for Black people is now! It is crucial to recognize how the theory of a persons personality and identity converge to create a complex framework and atmosphere of privilege and oppression.
Many people have begun to educate themselves to become closer to identifying themselves as anti-racist, but it is important to expand and maintain the momentum of anti-racist work. It is important for anti-racists to pushback with a robust commitment to dismantling the evil of structural racism.