Racism is a very sensitive issue for everyone. Most people have experienced it, talked about it or at least thought about it. However, we often feel helpless at the idea of trying to counter the phenomenon. Fortunately, there are many initiatives you can take to help stem racism in everyday life and within the community in which you live.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Changing Things in the Community You Live In
Step 1. If you witness a racist incident, take action
If you hear someone making racially-motivated insults, telling racist jokes, or mistreating someone for their race, step in and make your voice heard. The openly aggressive attitude of someone who commits such acts might scare you, but think about how the victim feels! If you fear for your own safety or that of others, consider yourself authorized to go to the authorities, such as the police, or to an adult if you are a child or teenager.
- If the attacker sees nothing wrong with what he said, tell him never to utter racist or intolerant phrases with you around again. Tell him you're no longer available to date if he continues to behave this way.
- For example, if someone says, "All _ are criminals," ask them, "On what basis are you saying this?" Or "Where does this belief of yours come from?"
- Try replying: "It's a very incorrect thing to say", or "How would you feel if they said this to you?".
- If you miss the opportunity to say something or get yourself out, don't take it. Promise yourself that next time you will not fail to intervene.
- Do not face the person, but his behavior or the content of his verbal aggression. Do not resort to offenses and do not say the words "You are a racist". The only results you would get would be resentment and anger from that person.
Step 2. Support and attend events dedicated to different cultures around the world
Many cities host festivals and events of this type, which are the ideal context to inform you about other cultures and to interact with people from different cultural backgrounds. Invite friends and family to these events as well. Educating yourself and your loved ones is a way to acquire an open attitude towards those who are different from you.
In the United States, these events are often held on occasions such as Black History Month, Asian-Pacific Heritage American Month, National Hispanic Heritage Month, and so on
Step 3. Organize a vigil or protest
A protest movement or demonstration is an effective way to counter racism within the community in which you live. These are initiatives that usually arise in response to local events. For example, if someone smears a building with a racially motivated graffiti, you can get a few people together and arrange to go all together to erase it. If a hate group intends to open a branch in your city, launch a petition to prevent this from happening.
- If you don't feel able to organize something yourself, even the simple gesture of making your voice heard and launching the idea is already something.
- Always start by contacting friends, family, schoolmates, neighbors, and so on. You can also contact the police and communicate your concerns and the actions you wish to be taken.
Step 4. Push and fight for the approval and application of anti-discrimination laws
The phenomenon of racism occurs both on an individual and institutional level and can also be favored by local and state legislation. Educating those around us and transforming ourselves is very important, but it is the legislation that makes the difference. Learn about the existence of laws that promote equality of wages, equal opportunities and sanctions for those who engage in discriminatory behavior in terms of rents and employment contracts. Write to government officials, newspapers or local authorities and ask about existing policies in this regard.
Step 5. Join an association that operates locally, nationally or internationally
Many of these realities are committed to addressing these issues: joining or supporting one is another effective method to fight against racism. You will also have the opportunity to meet like-minded people and to be constantly updated on the subject. You can volunteer and make your contribution in terms of time and / or money to the causes promoted by the association.
UNAR (Office for the Promotion of Equal Treatment and the Removal of Discrimination Based on Race or Ethnic Origin) manages and publishes a Register of associations and entities that carry out activities in the field of anti-discrimination
Step 6. Find out about the community you live in
With sufficient understanding and information on the social dynamics that operate in the community you live in, you will more easily identify the best approach to take to stem racism. Browse local newspapers, magazines and websites for basic information. Which ethnic groups live in the area? Do these groups coexist and collaborate? Are there any ghetto neighborhoods? Have there ever been episodes of racism or clashes between ethnic groups?
Method 2 of 2: Addressing Your Personal Beliefs on the Subject of Race
Step 1. Get to know your beliefs, conscious and unconscious
Each of us has stereotypes and prejudices about people of different ethnicity. Think about your possible stereotypes (for example, excessive faith, distorted image or truth about a person or group) and the forms of discrimination you may engage in (such as treating someone unfairly). You have to know your beliefs thoroughly before you can face them.
- Take the Harvard University Implied Association tests to find out if you have any prejudices. You may feel upset or defensive when you read the results. Take a deep breath and remember that you can change your attitudes and beliefs if you want.
- Think about the episodes of racism that you have witnessed, experienced and / or participated in.
Step 2. Educate yourself
Read as much material as possible about interethnic relationships, white privileges, and possible ways to stem racism. Also read books, listen to music and watch films about different cultures that you can study from a historical point of view and in the light of current events. Hear about others' experiences of racism.
- Before engaging in intercultural dialogue, talk about your attitudes and beliefs with people from the same ethnic group as you. There are study groups and associations that allow you to thoroughly examine your position on this subject before starting the work.
- Educating yourself is the best way to change your attitudes and beliefs.
Step 3. Be aware of the differences within communities of color
Humanity is divided into large ethnic groups: white Caucasians, Indians, blacks, Latinos and so on. But each of these groups has internal differences. For example, don't assume that all blacks share the same culture. Blacks can come from Jamaica, the southern United States, or Nigeria. Each of these areas has its own specific culture. Ask your interlocutors where they grew up, which anniversaries they celebrate, what their culinary traditions are, etc.
Step 4. Instead of being mentally color blind and overwhelmed by prejudice, celebrate the differences
It may seem nice to pretend that they are all the same color, but in doing so you miss out on the natural differences and their positive significance. Instead of ignoring diversity, consider it an added value. Ethnic origin is often linked to cultural differences (such as language, holidays, clothing …) that affect people's worldview. If you are mentally color blind, you do not take note of these differences.
Ignoring a person's ethnicity can be offensive. People may think that you are knowingly ignoring an important aspect of their life
Step 5. Make friends with people of different ethnicities
Collaborating, going to school together and building close relationships with people of different ethnic groups serves to stem racism. Personal relationships help fight misinformation and stereotypes you may harbor towards people from other cultures.
Get to know people of different ethnicities than yours. Join clubs, sports teams, associations to increase the chances of meeting
Step 6. Write down all your prejudices and stereotypes
Choose groups you tend to generalize about and write down your views on each of them. As you write, try to be honest with yourself. When you have everything written down, write down where you think these opinions come from. From your parents? From personal experiences? It may be that you are not even aware of the origin of these beliefs of yours.
If you feel like it, share your findings with someone from the same ethnic group as you. You will thus be able to discuss your position and your state of mind without risking offending anyone
Step 7. Be kind to yourself
Everyone has racist thoughts. Accept it as a normal phenomenon; rather, it's good that this bothers you. It is not easy to reflect on racism and discuss it. Instead of getting depressed or ashamed, try hard to change yourself and learn as much as possible.
Advice
- Don't be angry if you find yourself subconsciously racist. It has nothing to do with your culture and education, nor does it make you a bad person.
- Be patient. Some people are very ignorant of racism and it will not be easy to convince them.
- You don't have to fight racism alone. Seek support from like-minded people.
