What Can I Do About Racism?

Who am I to talk about racism?

Good question. I generally avoid emotionally laden topics or hot-button issues. With all the media attention, the issue of racism is a topic my temperament wants to avoid at all costs because A) the emotional cost of joining the discussion seems more than I want to invest and B) I feel a like an impostor discussing a subject I know so little about.

On the other hand, I cannot claim to be living with intention if I ignore the issue. In fact, based on the little I have learned about the topic so far, well-meaning white people ignoring the issue is a large part of the problem.

I’m sure you agree that racism is wrong.

You and I would never intentionally injure another person because of differences in ethnicity, religion, or any other criteria. We listen to new reports of racial injustice with sympathy for the victims.

But when it comes to taking action, what do we do about it?

Do we keep silent because we don’t know where to start, what to say, or how to say it?

Or do we decide this is an important issue and we should do whatever little bit of good we can?

5 small steps to fight racism

Accept the discomfort.

Grappling with a taboo topic like racism is not comfortable. Facing unpleasant truths that might burst a few bubbles about our country’s history and values won’t be fun. Neither will having to apologize for unintentionally saying something hurtful while trying to talk about the subject. But until we embrace the discomfort and risk making rookie mistakes when we try to enter the conversation, we’ll never move forward.

“Being an antiracist requires persistent self-awareness, constant self-criticism, and regular self-examination.”

Ibram X. Kendi

Become more informed.

This is a complex topic. You and I will need more than a few blog posts or TED talks to understand it. But every little bit we learn helps. I’ve included a few resources at the end of this post, plus here’s a short one to get you started.

Understand unintended bias.

No matter how much we think we behave in a rational, objective, fair manner, the truth is that all of us are swayed subconsciously by biases that we have absorbed over the course of our lives. All humans are biased. The good news is that bias is learned and therefore can be changed. However, like any change, it takes effort. Watch this 18 minute TED talk to learn more.

Acknowledge the reality of white privilege.

I think we’ve all accepted the fact that centuries of male dominance have resulted in a society where the system was stacked against females in areas such as education, salary, career opportunities, etc. Centuries of dominance by a white ruling class in the U. S have created similar inequities for people of color.

Well-meaning white people can’t understand racism until we come to terms with white privilege, which is basically the fact that whites have greater access to resources and justice simply because they are white. The concept may seem preposterous or insulting to everyday people who don’t see their lives as privileged, but if we look closer we can begin to understand.

This privilege is invisible to many white people because it seems reasonable that a person should be extended compassion as they move through the world. It seems logical that a person should have the chance to prove themselves individually before they are judged. It’s supposedly an American ideal. But it’s a privilege often not granted to people of color—with dire consequences.

Cory Collins in tolerance.org magazine

For a poignant glimpse of white privilege during an ordinary trip to the grocery store, watch this short video.

Note in the end of this video how white privilege was used for good. We can speak up and influence similar situations when we see them.

Broaden your horizons.

The more we insulate ourselves from others who are different, the less likely we are to be accepting and compassionate. We should be intentional about interacting with others from different walks of life. While face-to-face interactions are the best, there are other ways to learn about life from other points of view, such as:

• reading books written by authors from various ethnic and philosophical backgrounds
• reading books set (accurately and honestly) in other parts of the world.
• watching documentaries that teach us about other cultures and regions
• watching movies or TV shows aimed at a demographic we don’t belong to
• follow blogs and social media of articulate people that belong to other demographics.

Racism is a huge issue, but you and I can still make a difference. One small change at a time.

A few resources to learn more

• For a brief overview of white vs black privilege, watch this 3-minute video.
• This link will give you a comprehensive list of TED talks on racism and how to overcome it. Don’t be overwhelmed by the length of the list. Simply pick one that catches your interest and see what you can learn.
• The TNQ Show. A video web series featuring Conversation on the Real Topics of Race and Justice. Links to Season One episodes.
• Read this article for an explanation of white privilege.