Introduction
The term “antiracism” was popularized by author and scholar Ibram X. Kendi, who defines it as “not just the passive acknowledgement that racism is wrong but the active commitment to fight it.” To be an antiracist requires more than simply having good intentions; it requires actively taking steps to challenge racism and promote racial equality. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to be an antiracist.
Identify and Challenge Your Own Biases
Before you can work to combat racism in the world, you must first examine your own attitudes and beliefs. According to a report from the American Psychological Association, “everyone has unconscious biases that are shaped by their life experiences and the culture in which they live.” While it may be uncomfortable to confront our own biases, it is essential if we want to be antiracists.
Examine Your Own Attitudes and Beliefs
Start by asking yourself some tough questions: How do I think about people of different races? Do I treat people differently based on the color of their skin? Am I guilty of making assumptions about others because of their race or ethnicity? Answering these questions honestly and openly is the first step to becoming an antiracist.
Reflect on the Ways Your Actions May Be Influenced by Bias
Once you have identified your own biases, take time to reflect on the ways they may influence your actions. For example, do you find yourself avoiding social situations where you might be the only person of your race? Do you feel uncomfortable speaking up when you witness someone making a racist comment? Being mindful of how your biases may be impacting your behavior can help you become an antiracist.
Educate Yourself on the History of Racism in America
Understanding the history of racism in America is key to being an antiracist. As Dr. Robin DiAngelo explains in her book White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism, “White people in the United States live in a social environment that protects and insulates them from race-based stress.” Examining this history will help you gain perspective on the current state of racism.
Learn About the Systematic Oppression of People of Color
Take time to learn about the ways people of color have been systematically oppressed throughout U.S. history, from slavery to Jim Crow laws to the War on Drugs. Read books such as The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander and Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates to gain a deeper understanding of the issues at hand.
Understand How Institutional Racism Has Impacted Society
In addition to learning about the history of racism, it’s important to understand how institutional racism has impacted society today. Research topics such as housing discrimination, the school-to-prison pipeline, and health disparities to gain insight into how racism has created and perpetuated inequality.
Engage with Communities Affected by Racism
It is also important to engage with communities affected by racism. While it can be intimidating to enter into conversations about race, doing so can help you gain a better understanding of the issues and what needs to be done to create positive change.
Listen and Respectfully Engage in Dialogue
When engaging with communities affected by racism, the most important thing is to listen. Listen without judgment and without trying to fix the problem. Ask questions to learn more about the experiences of people of color and respectfully share your own perspectives. As author Ijeoma Oluo puts it, “It’s not about convincing anyone of anything, it’s about listening and learning.”
Support Efforts to Create Positive Change
In addition to engaging in dialogue, there are many other ways to support efforts to create positive change. Attend rallies and protests, volunteer with organizations working to combat racism, donate to causes that promote racial justice, and use your voice to amplify the voices of those who are marginalized.
Speak Up Against Inequality
Being an antiracist means speaking up against inequality whenever and wherever you see it. While it can be difficult to confront racism, it is essential if we are to create a more equitable society.
Stand Up and Call Out Unfair Treatment
If you witness someone being treated unfairly because of their race, stand up and call out the behavior. According to a study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology, “speaking out against unfair treatment can lead to positive outcomes, including increased respect for the person who speaks out, increased feelings of justice, and decreased acceptance of the unjust behavior.”
Advocate for Policies That Promote Racial Equity
In addition to calling out individual instances of racism, it is also important to advocate for policies that promote racial equity. Write to your representatives and demand that they uphold the rights of all people regardless of race. Support organizations that are working to end systemic racism and encourage others to do the same.
Support Organizations That Work to Combat Racism
There are many organizations dedicated to combating racism and promoting racial justice. Supporting these organizations is a great way to be an antiracist.
Research Organizations and Their Missions
Take time to research organizations and their missions to ensure that you are supporting those whose values align with your own. Some organizations to consider include the NAACP, the Anti-Defamation League, the Southern Poverty Law Center, and the National Urban League.
Donate or Volunteer to Help Advance Their Causes
Once you have identified organizations you would like to support, consider donating or volunteering to help advance their causes. Even if you don’t have much to give financially, you can still make a difference by donating your time and energy.
Vote for Candidates Who Advocate for Racial Equality
Finally, be sure to vote for candidates who advocate for racial equality. Research the candidates’ platforms and positions on race to ensure that you are voting for those who will uphold racial justice.
Research Candidates’ Platforms and Positions on Race
Before casting your vote, take time to research the candidates’ platforms and positions on race. Read their websites and speeches, look up their voting records, and watch interviews to get a better sense of where they stand on issues related to race.
Cast Votes for Those Who Will Uphold Racial Justice
Once you have done your research, cast your votes for those who will uphold racial justice. As former U.S. President Barack Obama said, “Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.”
Conclusion
Being an antiracist requires more than just having good intentions; it requires actively taking steps to challenge racism and promote racial justice. This article provided a comprehensive guide on how to be an antiracist, from examining your own biases to educating yourself on the history of racism in America to voting for candidates who advocate for racial equality. Remember, each one of us has the power to make a difference. Keep learning and keep taking action.
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