Using racist slurs and other hurtful or hateful language. Displaying symbols that people of color might find hurtful, like swastikas, blackface, or Confederate memorabilia. Believing that people of different races should stay segregated. Defending other people’s racist remarks and ideology. Assuming all people of a certain race must act the same way. Dismissing or ignoring people of color and their contributions.
For instance, you are probably showing some racial biases if you often catch yourself saying things like, “I’m not racist, but. . . " or “I have plenty of black friends. "
For instance, if you’re in a meeting and someone dismisses an idea by one of your black coworkers, you might say something like, “I thought Chris made a really good point just now. Can we circle back to that?” If people are comfortable saying racist things around you, then you’re not being antiracist around them.
For instance, if you feel tense or speed up when you see a black person walking toward you on the street, that’s an unconscious form of racism. A more subtle form of racism might be acting overly friendly toward people of color in an effort to be perceived as less racist.
By opening supporting businesses run by people of color, you’re helping to create a society where everyone has a fair chance at success. Reading books, listening to music, and watching movies made by people of color can help open your mind to the reality of their experiences. That can help you shake off even more of your unconscious prejudices.
Instead, be open to engaging in productive conversations about race.
For instance, instead of saying, “Can I touch your hair?” you might say, “Hey, you look great today. I brought us coffee. " Don’t say, “I’m sorry, I can’t pronounce your name, can I just call you J?” Instead, practice saying their name until you get it right. Also, don’t say things like, “Hey I have a black friend from college, you guys should totally meet. " Just because two people have the same color skin doesn’t mean they’ll automatically be friends.
However, don’t expect people of color to point out every racist thing that you say or do. People of color have to face subtle forms of racism all the time, and they’re not responsible for educating everyone they come into contact with. Remember, overcoming racism is a lifelong process, so continuously examine your actions, thoughts, and beliefs about race.
You can have these beliefs even if you have friends who are different races or you support causes like Black Lives Matter. [10] X Research source For instance, you may have internalized the idea that people of color are more likely to be career criminals or do drugs. You might even support that position with statistics. However, that doesn’t address the political and social factors that might influence those statistics, like the fact that people of color are more likely to be charged with a crime than a white person, even for the same offence. They often receive harsher sentences for the same crimes, as well. [11] X Research source
“Am I surprised when a person of color is especially well-spoken or intelligent?” “Do I make assumptions about a person’s interests or athletic ability based on the color of their skin?” “Would I be less likely to hire a person of color, even if they were equally as qualified as (or more qualified than) a white person?” “Do I care more about being antiracist or just not being seen by others as a racist?” “Do I perceive someone who has natural hair as being less polished or professional?” “Do I feel uncomfortable when I see someone wearing ethnic or religious clothing, like a head covering or a tribal print?”
For instance, if you automatically assume that all people of a certain race are good students, it can put a lot of pressure on a student from that race who’s struggling in school. They might even have a hard time being taken seriously if they reach out for help.
For instance, you might find yourself thinking something like, “I would never give my child such an unusual name. They’ll never succeed in life that way. " You might also criticize someone’s speech, clothing, or where they live.
Remember, having unconscious racist biases doesn’t mean you’re automatically a bad person, and it doesn’t mean that your conscious antiracist thoughts ‘don’t count. ’ You’re the sum of all of your parts, and identifying areas where you can grow just means you’re committed to being part of social change.
