These experiences produce and reinforce bias, stereotypes, and prejudice, which can lead to discrimination. Examining our own biases can help us work to ensure equality for all. Another way to address bias and recognize privilege is to support the experiences of other people and engage in tough conversations about race and injustice.
For example, by watching documentaries, such as 13th , or reading books, such as Americanah or Hidden Figures. As advocates, we learn about domestic violence by listening to survivors of domestic violence.
Similarly, the best way to understand racial injustice is by listening to people of color. When Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It is impossible to eliminate racism without first acknowledging race.
We must see color in order to work together for equity and equality. Let people know that racist comments are not okay. If you are not comfortable or do not feel safe being confrontational, try to break down their thought process and ask questions.
Microaggressions , which can appear in the form of racist jokes or statements, perpetuate and normalize biases and prejudices. Remember that not saying anything — or laughing along — implies that you agree.
Systemic racism means that there are barriers — including wealth disparities, criminal justice bias, and education and housing discrimination — that stack the deck against people of color in the workplace or at school. Getting rid of laws that negatively and disproportionately affect certain races is a vital part of ending systemic racism.
There are many examples of systemic racism around the world. In the United States, systemic racism is found in healthcare, banking, and education. In South Africa, the apartheid system ensured that the white population stayed on top politically, socially, and economically, while black Africans were the most disenfranchised. China has a reputation for systemic racism against Black people in their universities. In , the local Guangzhou government implemented strict surveillance and forced quarantines for all African nationals in response to Covid Getting rid of laws based on racism and designed to uphold unequal outcomes is necessary for ending systemic racism.
Many people believe that society can stop racism by teaching love and acceptance, but the reality is that even if everyone stopped being racist overnight, the system would still produce outcomes that disproportionately impact certain races. These discriminatory laws also reinforce racist beliefs by making it much harder for marginalized groups to break out of poverty, go to good schools, get certain jobs, and so on.
On an individual level, people must commit to being anti-racist for racism to end. Anti-racism is a lifelong pursuit. At the same time, anti-racists must also identify the common goals they share with other racial groups. But the work is far from finished and we all have a role to play. There are things we can do as individuals, but we can also call on our decision makers to put in place policies and programmes to bring lasting change to our communities.
Pay attention to the voices of people who experience racism every day — listen to friends, classmates, neighbours, and community leaders. There are also a lot of articles, books, documentaries, films and podcasts on issues of racism, discrimination and privilege.
Listen to what the people in them have to say. Understand and confront your own privilege. Be prepared to feel uncomfortable at times. Many of us absorb biases and prejudices at an early age, so they are not easy to unlearn. Share the resources that you have found useful with your community to help them learn how they can play a role in ending racism and discrimination.
If you have younger siblings or family members, set a good example for them. Try to look for games or books that can help them learn that we all have a right to dignity and safety - there are lots online. Racism and discrimination happen around us all the time. Often it is in the form of jokes, stereotypes or insensitive comments and questions from our friends, family members or colleagues.
If you witness a friend or family member saying racist or discriminatory things, you should talk to them, if you feel safe to do so. Approach them privately first — in person or via direct message. Point out to them that what they are saying is racist or discriminatory and remind them that everyone has the right to dignity and that in many countries it is against the law to discriminate against a person because of the color of their skin, their ethnicity, religion, gender or sexual orientation.
Encourage them to learn more about the historical context of racial prejudice and discrimination, and share resources that you have found helpful.
Many social media platforms want their platforms to be safe and empowering for people of all backgrounds. If you see content that you think violates their guidelines, report it to the platform. If you see content in a newspaper or other traditional media that reflects prejudice, leave a comment or send a letter to the editor to let others know that intolerant remarks are unkind and uncalled for. Schools and universities should be safe places for children and young people of all races and ethnicities.
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