While you may only think of white people as being affected by bias, people of any background can be racist. For example, a black person might have unconscious biases against people from Latin or Asian communities.
For example, if you’re white, you may have never thought to question why TV characters, toys, and even bandages reflect your skin color. However, people with darker skin haven’t been equally represented in those (and many other) areas. Once you’re aware of this, you may choose to support brands that offer more inclusive options. White privilege also means that a white person may receive a lesser sentence for the same crime as a person of color. Being aware of this might lead you to vote for political candidates who support fair sentencing. [3] X Research source Although white privilege is most prevalent, privilege doesn’t necessarily apply only to white people: In some cultures, people of color who have lighter skin tones may be considered “better” than people with darker skin. [4] X Research source
For example, if you’re commuting to work and catch yourself feeling nervous when you see someone in a head covering, you might stop and tell yourself, “This person isn’t any more dangerous to me than anyone else on the train. "
For instance, if you catch yourself automatically assuming that a black teenager listens to rap music, you might stop and ask yourself, “Did I ask them what kind of music they like, or am I just jumping to that conclusion because of the color of their skin?” They might very well like rap, but you might be surprised to discover they also love 90s death metal or Broadway show tunes.
If you haven’t experienced these obstacles, it might be easy to say something like, “Well people in bad neighborhoods should get better jobs so they can move out. " However, this doesn’t take into account the real struggle that people of color face when it comes to things like education—the schools in their neighborhoods might not get the same funding as schools in an affluent neighborhood, making it harder to get the skills they need for a successful career.
For instance, you may notice that several of your black friends have huge family reunions. These are a fun annual tradition in many black families! However, when you meet someone new who happens to be black, you shouldn’t automatically assume that their family has an annual reunion. Saying things like, “I don’t see color,” makes it hard to celebrate the differences that make us special. Try talking to your friends and coworkers to learn more about things like their favorite cultural foods, their religious practices, or their holiday celebrations. Learning more about your friends’ cultures can bring you closer to them. However, remember to focus more on what you have in common, rather than how you’re different.
For instance, if someone points out that you said something that perpetuates a harmful stereotype about race, apologize, even if you feel embarrassed. Then, on your own time, do a little research to find out what was offensive about what you said, and be sure not to repeat that again.
In addition to obviously hateful slurs, also examine phrases that have a racial meaning. For example, the word “gyp” is often used to refer to a bad deal, but it’s derived from the word “gypsy,” and is a slur against Romani people. [9] X Research source Similarly, don’t display symbols that have racist connotations, like Nazi memorabilia or cartoon depictions that exaggerate the features and characteristics of a particular race. Avoid cultural appropriation as well—it can be offensive to borrow someone else’s culture for a costume, like wearing a Native American headdress to a music festival if that’s not part of your heritage.
Even if you mean well, constantly calling attention to a person’s race can make them feel ostracized, and it may even create a hostile environment.
Be sure to get to know your new friends more deeply than just asking questions about their culture. Remember, it’s not their job to be an encyclopedia on race, so don’t expect them to spend all their time educating you. Instead, simply treat them as a valued friend. Don’t just befriend someone because they’re a different race, because that will be obvious and is actually kind of racist in itself. Instead, be open to forming friendships with people of color because you actually like them for who they are. You don’t always have to greet everyone you meet with open arms—some people might give you a bad feeling, and it’s important to trust your instincts. However, once you’re in a safe environment, take some time to reflect on whether the person’s skin color contributed to that feeling.
If you’re not sure where to start, check out this TED-approved list of books by black authors: https://ideas. ted. com/62-great-books-by-black-authors-recommended-by-ted-speakers/. Be open to supporting businesses in your community that are owned by people of color, as well!
Try not to worry too much about how other people see you. It’s a lot more important to actually become anti-racist than whether you’re perceived that way. [14] X Trustworthy Source Greater Good Magazine Journal published by UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center, which uses scientific research to promote happier living Go to source
For instance, you might say something like, “I’m not sure why you feel that way, but I completely disagree. “[16] X Research source Look for ways to challenge racism in institutions, as well. For instance, if you notice discriminatory practices in your school, workplace, or community, call attention to them and fight to have them changed. [17] X Research source To help encourage larger-scale changes, you might join anti-racist protests or support anti-racist legislation.
