Racism is one person's "contempt" of another, based on the belief that the other individual is inferior due to skin color, language, cultural customs, place of birth, or other similar characteristics (however, be careful not to confuse contempt with personal choices). If you prefer to date and marry someone of the same ethnicity as you, that doesn't make you racist. Many hypersensitive and unscrupulous anti-racist organizations blame and shame on themselves young people who associate with people of a different race than the one they "prefer". First of all be true to yourself! Racism has existed for as long as human history has existed and is often an excuse for wanting to dominate another group. Almost all people, even if they do not blatantly approve of racism, have some kind of prejudice towards another group of people; these biases can lead to expressing anger, hurting and even acting violently, both personally and socially. Overcoming the racist mentality takes a long personal journey, and this article gives you some insights to help you find the right path.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Work on Yourself
Step 1. Do a self-analysis
An important first step on your personal journey to overcome racial prejudice is to look within yourself. Towards which groups of people do you feel prejudiced? What do you think about these groups? What do you think your negative feelings towards them may come from?
- Many people have prejudices that they are not even aware of, but which can be detected with a psychological test called the Implicit Association Test (IAT). You can do an online search to take the test yourself.
- People are often shocked by the results obtained by the IAT, because many times they think they are not racist. By taking this test, however, they have the opportunity to verify and examine their prejudice and the fact of obtaining unflattering results for many is a motivation to engage and try to change their attitudes.
- Think about the source of your racism. The cause can come from anything, but preconceptions are fueled by a racist environment and peers who have such attitudes or arise when looking for a scapegoat to blame for their problems. Some believe that it can also arise from messages received through the media or in the cultural environment in a broader sense. If you can understand where your racist tendencies come from, know that this is an important step to start overcoming them.
- Pay attention to your thoughts and practice empathy. Be aware of your mental approach when you are faced with situations that trigger your bias and try to put yourself in the position of the counterpart. In other words, try to become aware of how people who are different from you may feel in a given situation and how your actions might affect them.
Step 2. Do some research on the topic
Start learning about the scientific realities of races, the cultural minorities in your country, and the battles facing people who are victims of prejudice. Often, understanding and knowing more about these issues helps build greater empathy towards minority groups.
- A good starting point is to learn what a breed really is. First, know that racial differences are socially constructed, that is, they are the product of society. Science states that there is little genetic difference between people of different ethnicities and that racial categories are not actually biologically distinct from each other.
- There are many books, fiction or non-fiction, that can help you take the next step: begin to understand the difficulties facing minorities or civil rights organizations. A novel like Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison can be a pleasant way to approach the subject.
- Many anti-racist organizations provide lists of recommended reading (especially non-fiction) on their websites. Anti-racist activist Tim Wise, for example, has a rich list of readings available on his website (often in English).
Step 3. Stop throwing racist slurs
If you've been saying them for a long time, it can be hard to break the habit, but learn as soon as possible not to express them again. Although it may seem obvious, know that the verbal insult associated with stereotypes hurts people, even if you have uttered it without the serious intention of offending.
- Sometimes you may not realize that the language has a racial meaning. Terms such as "rabbi" to indicate a stingy person, "Moroccan" to express any irregular immigrant or even the classic "vu’ cumprà’", a term to denigrate foreign street vendors, are considered offensive words by many people.
- Know that racist jokes are not funny. The fact that you do not want to be offensive but just funny does not make it acceptable to joke with a racist background or that expresses disparaging preconceptions.
Step 4. Avoid appropriating others' culture
In other words, don't treat other people's ethnic identity like a costume or fashion accessory.
- For example, many people consider it racist to dress up as a Native American for Halloween or wear feathered headdresses just for fun.
- Consider consciously if the clothing you wear for fun is actually devaluing something that is important to another culture, while for you it's just a fun look.
Step 5. Beware of systematic and invisible forms of racism
Often, the deepest racist attitude is not saying something offensive to another person, but it is a less obvious behavior, such as not calling someone to a job interview because they have a foreign name or not. sit next to someone on the bus because of their skin color.
Pay attention to your behaviors constantly, to make sure there are no subtle forms of racism behind them
Step 6. Engage in mental exercises
Studies have shown that attitudes towards different people can be positively influenced through the practice of mental exercises. This also includes those subtle and difficult to detect biases that emerge with the IAT.
For example, if there is one ethnicity that you consider more dangerous than others, practice mentally saying the word "safe" every time you see someone of that race. Over time this approach will start to change your attitude
Part 2 of 2: Working with Others
Step 1. Talk about the races
Many people are afraid to address this topic and the problematic aspects it may present. Research has shown, however, that talking about these issues increases racial tolerance, especially among children.
- After doing some research, it's a good idea to engage with people of different races to hear about their experiences. Listen and ask questions before sharing your views. The purpose is to learn, not to teach.
- Remember that when people who have experienced the effects of racism are sharing their experiences, you shouldn't center the conversation on yourself or your guilt. Also keep in mind that their experiences aren't wrong just because they're not the same as yours.
- Make sure you treat people of other ethnicities as individuals and avoid viewing them as representatives of their own race. Be aware that people from other populations are not intercultural mediators and are not obligated to talk to you about racism.
- If you can, make an effort to do tasks with people you are prejudiced about. Completing a task at work or school, which requires us to work together towards a common goal, bridges people who are divided.
Step 2. Look for culturally different experiences
A great way to start appreciating people other than yourself is to respectfully search for situations related to their culture.
- If you share experiences with a variety of people from different cultures and backgrounds, it will be easier for you to understand and appreciate them.
- Take the time to observe (and hopefully appreciate) not only the differences, but also the similarities, between your culture and the one you are experiencing. This is a method that has proven effective in psychological experiments to reduce prejudice.
Step 3. Attend a conference or join an anti-racist group
These environments are the ideal place to work with others to improve not only one's own racial attitudes but also society in general.
- Search the internet to find an organization that works on these issues in your city. There are many realities in the area and you will certainly find some even close to home.
- Try to join the association and actively participate in the fight against racism; this will help you increase your decision to eliminate it from your thoughts.
Step 4. Challenge racism around the world
Changing your attitude is important, but if you really want to contribute to racial equality, you should take the responsibility, as many others already do, to openly challenge the racism of others.
- For example, talk to others about their racist attitudes. If you meet people who have strong prejudices, but are open to change, share with them the path you took yourself to learn more about minorities and show them a different perspective.
- Challenge racist behavior when you see it. If someone you know expresses a racist slur, tell them they are racist and explain why this is a problem.
Advice
- The more you can inform and read about racial justice issues the better. This is a great way to better understand the problem in the privacy of your home, especially in the early stages of your efforts to stop being a racist.
- Set yourself the goal of self-control. Think about the reactions you manifest towards people you meet who are part of groups towards which you are prejudiced, observe when they occur and try to correct them.
- Don't get defensive. Talking about this issue with people can be uncomfortable and can reveal some difficult truths. Remember that people's views on their life experiences (i.e. when they suffer the negative effects of racism) are legitimate and should be treated as such. Try to make these perspectives your own without having to feel guilty or have to justify your past behavior or the behavior of others.
- For the same reason, if you make a mistake and assume some racist attitude, admit it, apologize, and try to discuss how you can improve so that it doesn't happen in the future, instead of finding excuses and false reasons for your behavior.
Warnings
- Racism, like any bad habit, is hard to break. You will likely never come to no longer have any prejudice and you may have to work and work for a long time to overcome it. Be prepared for a long (but hopefully rewarding) journey.
- Some racist friends and family may not appreciate the fact that you are working hard to overcome this prejudice. You may also risk losing some friends because of your decision, but you are likely to gain others who share your commitment to equal human relationships.
