It seems that you cannot follow a news program without learning stories of crime, rioting and even violence by the police motivated by racial hatred. But what is racism and what can be done to combat it? By learning about this phenomenon and learning to recognize what it entails, you will be able to react in case you face this problem in person, witness racist discrimination and gestures or when racism becomes a topic of discussion in the media.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Reacting When You Are a Victim of Racial Hatred
Step 1. Understand that it is not necessary to overreact
Like harassment, small and repeated acts of racial discrimination, albeit unintentional (known as "micro-aggression"), probably don't seem like a big deal in the eyes of others, but if they are annoying, they should be stopped.
According to some studies, discriminatory micro-attacks take place every day, but the authors almost always deny that they have done something wrong or that their actions are motivated by racial hatred. This attitude leads the victims to doubt the nature of such acts or fear that, while denouncing the attacks, the latter will not be recognized as such
Step 2. Walk away
If you are the victim of a micro-aggression or a more blatant form of racial hostility, make your needs prevail: you decide to leave. Don't feel compelled to react in front of your attacker.
It is not up to the victim to "correct" his attacker. Talking about racism is exhausting, emotionally heavy, and very demanding, so if you find yourself in this kind of situation, walk away. However, if you want to answer who made a mistake, you have every right to do so
Step 3. Point out the attacker's words or behavior
Instead of accusing a person of being racist and putting them on the defensive, pinpoint the exact reason why their behavior or words are dangerous.
For example, instead of saying, "You offended me," say, "This sentence is quite offensive." By using "this phrase" instead of "you", you shift the focus from the author to his or her words
Step 4. Be direct with your peers
You are not obliged to accept or react in the face of racial hatred and risk causing friction among your peers. Racism is always wrong and you have every right to speak up about it.
If someone is racist, explain why it is harmful. Choose which approach to use: You recognize that people tend to get defensive when they misbehave, so the more polite you are, the more likely they will be to listen to your opinion
Step 5. Learn to deal with racist comments or behavior when you are in a group of people
When someone does or says something offensive, your approach to it may be more or less effective depending on various factors. Consider your relationships within the group when you define a certain behavior racist: do you want to communicate your way of thinking to everyone present or do you prefer to preserve the relationship with a person who may have unintentionally committed something offensive?
- By reporting a discriminatory gesture in front of other people, instead of talking about it in private, you will communicate to the whole group that you do not tolerate such behavior towards you. However, be aware that criticizing the author in front of his friends could put him on the defensive.
- If you think his behavior was unintentional and you don't want to hurt his feelings or you prefer to maintain a relationship with him, skip the matter at first, then ask him if you can talk privately. However, keep in mind that there are many drawbacks during this wait: the author of a certain gesture may forget the context or what he said or you risk communicating to the whole group that you accept such behavior.
Step 6. Try different approaches to racist behavior or comments
There are many ways to react in the face of something offensive, which vary according to one's character and the relationship that exists with the author of the discriminatory gesture.
- For example, you might say, "You know, I feel hurt when people behave or talk like this, because…". By highlighting your state of mind, you will prevent your interlocutor from becoming more defensive than would happen if you faced him directly, but you also risk shaking off some responsibility and it is not necessarily a good strategy in the long run..
- Another more direct approach could be: "You shouldn't talk or behave like this. You offend those who are different from you, because …". This way you will communicate to your interlocutor that he is behaving badly and that he should stop.
Step 7. Learn to deal with the racism of a person in a position of power
If a teacher or your boss treats you differently because you are from another ethnicity or outside disparaging or disagreeable comments, you will likely feel inhibited from reacting as their superior position can affect your academic performance or career. professional.
- If you believe that his was not an intentional gesture, but the result of some carelessness, and if you still have a good working relationship with this person, consider talking to him. He may not realize that he has offended you. For example, a teacher who asks you to give the class the "black point of view" may not know that his request could be offensive, since blacks are not a monolithic category of people.
- If you do decide to speak to your teacher or boss, be sure to do it privately when he is not busy. Tell him what worries you in a clear, direct and composed way: "Sometimes I have the impression that I am the object of his attention because of my ethnic background. I would like us to talk about it so that it does not happen again."
- If, on the other hand, you think that a discriminatory act is intentional and harmful, or if you fear that, by discussing directly with your teacher or your boss, you risk facing negative consequences or endangering your relationship with him, you should refer to the person in a higher grade: in the school context it could be the head teacher, while at work it could be the human resources manager or the manager who directs your boss. First, try to document every incident of racism or micro-aggression. Ask for a private meeting in which to explain what happened (taking into account the frequency, reporting the sentences verbatim or describing the gestures that occurred in each circumstance) and why it is unacceptable.
Step 8. Know your rights
If racist acts occur in the workplace or in a public place, you can cite your legal rights. The law of 25 June 1993, n. 205 is a law of the Italian Republic that sanctions and condemns gestures, actions and slogans related to the Nazi-Fascist ideology, and having as their purpose the incitement to violence and discrimination for racial, ethnic, religious or national reasons.
- You should contact an attorney who specializes in civil rights or workers' rights if discriminatory incidents occur that deprive you of the use of housing, your job, your safety or your personal freedoms. Consider the reporting times for these crimes, so don't hesitate to contact him as soon as possible.
- If you have to file a lawsuit and can't afford a lawyer, there are many human rights organizations that can help you. In Italy, UNAR or the National Anti-Racial Discrimination Office was established at the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Department for Equal Opportunities, which deals with the promotion of equal treatment and the removal of discrimination based on race or origin. ethnic.
Step 9. Try to distinguish between racist gestures and racist people
Racist people are fueled by fanaticism and prejudice and do not change even when confronted with them. Racist actions, on the other hand, mostly depend on mistakes or on the fact of having grown up in a culture in which there is a discriminatory vision in social relations.
- If a person is a racist, it is often pointless to confront him or try to change his mind by explaining why his actions are inappropriate. He can accuse you of "playing the racism card" if you are offended by his words or behavior. He rarely listens or changes his attitude because he realizes he has offended. In some cases, it can pose a danger to people's safety when criticized.
- However, if this is a decent individual who sometimes raises comments or prejudices of racial intolerance, perhaps you could get him to stop by explaining why what he said was offensive. Often these people are completely unaware of the consequences of a discriminatory act.
- It is up to you to decide whether it is worth confronting an intolerant person, reacting to hateful behavior or opposing certain discriminatory policies. It is not your job to educate people just because you are part of a minority.
Step 10. Take care of yourself
Tolerating racism is tiring and emotionally traumatizing. Therefore, surround yourself with all the support of the people you trust and take the time to fuel your emotional and psychological strength.
- The stress that comes from discriminatory gestures can compromise every aspect of your life, including mental well-being, and academic performance, but can even increase the risk of more serious illness.
- Become part of an association that brings together foreign students, a political organization or a group that pursues the fight against racism to meet and connect with other people in this area. Tell your family about the most stressful episodes and ask for advice on dealing with this kind of situation. According to some studies, to manage stress, you need to deal with people with whom you can share your negative experiences.
Part 2 of 4: Addressing Racism Directed to Other People
Step 1. Give your opinion when you hear insults or discriminatory jokes
Often people, not knowing what to say, ignore inappropriate comments or jokes. However, if you are ready to respond, you will feel able to step in and fight for what is right. You can use different approaches based on your character, the relationship with the interlocutor and the situation:
- You might say, "It's not okay." Probably in some contexts, such as in class or when you have to get off the bus, you do not have the time or the way to challenge the ideas of others by having a real conversation with them, but you can simply point out when their behavior exceeds a certain limit. You will feel better defending what you feel is right.
- Try saying, "Gee, that's really discriminatory! Why are you talking like that?" You will be able to open a discussion and bring your interlocutor to reflect on what he said.
- If it's a joke, try saying in a very serious tone, as if you haven't caught the irony: "What's there to laugh about?". By forcing the interlocutor to explain why what he said would be so funny, you will make him reflect on the intolerance inherent in his joke. Once he's explained, if he still thinks he's funny, you might say, "It's really discriminatory."
Step 2. Learn to deal with racism in the family
It can happen that a member of your family, such as your grandfather or your mother, is offending. He may make racist jokes or comments or discriminate against other ethnicities (for example, by not allowing you to go out with a black person or invite a foreigner home). It could be problematic especially if it is a family member you respect and to whom you have to respect (like your parents, if you still live in the house with them).
- Keep calm, but don't hide your mood. Family is built on love and trust, so you shouldn't feel uncomfortable pointing out to your relatives when they talk or act in an abusive way. Don't scream, don't take it personally, but express your opinion, say, for example, "I don't like / I was bothered by what you said." Alternatively, ask why there is a racist comment. This way you can open a discussion and have the opportunity to explain why such behavior is worrying and harmful.
- Be aware that sometimes such a reaction can make the problem worse. For example, if your uncle knows that racist jokes are bothering you, he may be adding to the dose on purpose.
- If your parents impose discriminatory rules on who to hang out with, make up your own mind. You could respect them as long as you live in the house with them or choose to go behind their backs and ignore what they impose on you. Realize that this behavior could have consequences if they catch you.
- Sometimes, when a family member is racist, nothing you do or say can get them to stop talking or act abusive. However, you can choose to avoid him as much as possible and keep telling him how you feel about it, but sadly sometimes it is useless. Learn about his choices and do your best to avoid feeding bigoted ideas or prejudices.
Step 3. Be supportive
If you do not tolerate racism, but are not part of a minority, you can play an important role in the fight against the discrimination you witness. By learning to recognize micro-aggression against foreigners, you can use your privileged position to combat racism in all its forms.
Learn to talk about racism in "safe places". Racism is a thorny issue and often people who do not belong to a minority are taught not to talk and "notice" ethnic differences. This complicates the fight against racism when discriminatory incidents occur if you are not experienced in dealing with this topic. Therefore, find other allies who want to fight this social scourge and study the most likely discriminatory scenarios and contexts in daily life
Part 3 of 4: Reacting Against Racism in Society
Step 1. Hang out with people other than yourself
In some parts of the world it is not easy to get to know people of other ethnicities. It is natural, then, to orient oneself towards one's fellow men and, at times, one ends up being friends with people who belong only to one's own group of origin. Therefore, go out of your way to learn about other cultures and ways of seeing the world. You will enrich your point of view and help friends, family and teens to find it normal and acceptable to make friends with different people.
- Attend fairs, festivals and multi-cultural initiatives. Check out the library or go to a community center to find out.
- Join an association, take up a new hobby, visit a church or place of worship, or join a sports team to meet new people.
Step 2. Talk about the racial issue
It has become a taboo subject because many people are taught from childhood that it is rude or inappropriate to discuss this topic. However, as long as racism exists, confrontation, the will to learn and empathy are vital. According to some studies, talking about the racial issue encourages understanding and tolerance. So try to take the opportunity to discuss this issue.
- If you have children, talk to them about the racial issue. Don't scramble for mirrors if they point out that someone has a different skin color than theirs. It is normal for children to notice these differences. Teach them that diversity can only enrich! You might say, "Isn't it obvious? Fatima has dark skin, while yours is fair. We are all different!"
- When your children are old enough to understand, talk to them about racism. If you are in a minority, you can prepare them for what they are likely to face and fuel their self-esteem so that they can react appropriately if something should happen. If you are not from a minority, it is still important to talk to them about this issue. It teaches how racial segregation has manifested itself throughout history and explains why some people are racist (citing prejudice, stereotypes, fanaticism and all forms of discrimination).
Step 3. Offer your contribution
If you have the opportunity, make some donations or volunteer with associations that are committed to fighting racism at the local or national level. Here are some examples:
- National Office against Racial Discrimination
- Amnesty International - Italian Section
- ARCI
Part 4 of 4: Understanding Racism
Step 1. Learn the difference between racism, bigotry and prejudice
Often these words are used interchangeably in the media and in conversations, but there are differences that are worth considering. Also, knowing how different these concepts differ, you will learn to use them appropriately in your speeches, where someone else uses the wrong word to express what they think.
- Racism refers to a form of oppression against a community of people, discriminated against on the basis of preconceived racial belonging, skin color or ethnicity. Generally, racism is founded on the idea that there is a race or a majority group that has the right to establish laws, policies, systems and cultural norms for its own survival, but at the expense of ethnic groups or minority races.
- For its part, fanaticism is based on hatred of an entire group of people or on the supposed superiority of the latter. Beyond ethnicity or the preconceived idea of race, fanaticism can manifest itself against a religion, a gender or a sexual orientation, a disability and so on. For example, the Holocaust was motivated by fanaticism, as are all racial crimes.
- Prejudice (which derives from the Latin "prae-judicium", or antecedent judgment) means presuming to know a person by virtue of his belonging to a certain group. While it usually carries a negative connotation, it doesn't always generate inappropriate considerations. For example, there is the prejudice that all Asians are believed to be good at math or that all blacks are gifted in singing or athletics. They are nothing more than stereotypes based on the concept of a racial category. One can also be subject to prejudice because of religion, gender, a disability and so on, so like fanaticism, prejudice is not limited to considerations of biological and cultural belonging to a group of people.
Step 2. Keep in mind how these three concepts intersect and relate to racism
Sometimes racial hate policies and practices are "obvious" (at least when we analyze them historically): for example, the history of slavery in the United States of America (which at the time was considered natural and legally acceptable and religious) was based on a racial system. Other times, people have a unanimous opinion that certain policies or practices are discriminatory. For example, some believe that positive action policies (which promote the hiring of people from non-dominant socio-political groups) are racist, while others are convinced that they help prevent racism.
- Since racism is based on the idea that a dominant group has the right to mistreat a minority group, "reverse racism" (often used to describe situations where a member of a minority group discriminates against a member of a majority group) is an incorrect expression. In these cases, one should speak of "fanaticism" or "prejudice" rather than "racism".
- It is important to remember that one can be racist without being fanatic and, in fact, without even realizing it, since racism is a broader form of oppression that transcends the personal context.
Step 3. Study the history of racism around the world
A sad reality, but one that makes one reflect on the nature of man throughout history, is that forms of discrimination have arisen in almost all great civilizations, because racism has been a tool that dominant groups have used to mistreat those who did not have. power (minorities), and the racial question has been one of the main identity lines that peoples have used throughout history to designate who has power and who doesn't.
- In North America, the history of racism probably begins with the conquest of indigenous tribes (natives or American Indians) by white Europeans who settled in these territories. In practice, one group was technologically more powerful than the other and wiped out entire populations with weapons and disease.
- In Europe, during the Victorian period, racist ideas took hold in Western thought through supposedly "scientific" discoveries about the difference between races. Using the Darwinian theory of evolution, scientists believed that whites of Anglo-Saxon descent were more evolved than other peoples.
Step 4. Learn how racism relates to systems of power
Even though most of the major systems of oppression, such as slavery, have been abolished in many countries, racist attitudes and policies of large and small entities still constitute a problem in the world.
Step 5. Recognize the consequences of racism
Since racism is a widespread systemic problem, its effects can be seen in the media, in governments, in the education system and even in religion.
Notice the stereotypes circulating about ethnic and racial differences spread by television, books, and movies. The popularity of video and computer games offers even more avenues for racism. Get in touch with those who produce discriminatory content and explain your point of view. Refuse to support any company or organization that discloses intolerance and discrimination
Step 6. Realize that not all forms of racism are evident
In everyday life, "micro-aggressions" compared to the most blatant expressions of racial intolerance are more common, but no less harmful. As the term suggests, micro-aggressions are small discriminatory gestures, very often not recognizable, but which over time become evident and painful for the victims.
- A micro-aggression can be anything ranging from the unconscious act of sitting away from a foreign person on the train to asking an African woman if her hair is actually "hers" or asking an Italian-Asian where it really comes from. ".
- Micro-assaults, unlike more overt acts of racial hatred, are often involuntary. Therefore, it is more difficult for the victim to "prove" that they actually happened, as they risk appearing touchy or accused of playing "the racism card" if they object to this type of behavior.
Advice
- If you have been a victim of discrimination for some time, file a complaint.
- You may be engaging in racist behavior without even realizing it. Read this wikiHow article to learn how to stop discriminating against people.
