3 Ways to be Anti-Racist TODAY!

We live in a world now where simply not being racist is not enough to turn the tide. We must move to a position of being actively anti-racist to make real and long-lasting change possible.

But what is anti-racism?

If we accept that racism is about power and systems of oppression and unequal access to resources and opportunities, then anti-racism is the acknowledgment of this, and an intentional awareness and personal commitment to action in opposition.

Put simply, being anti-racist is about your actions. It’s about being ACTIVE in the pursuit of a fairer society.

As we’ve seen countless times, it’s fairly easy to know and understand something is wrong but doing something about it is where the action (literally) happens.

So before you go charging in or jump to "rescuer" mode... Follow these 3 steps to get your anti-racist action off to the best start.

1. Self-Educate
The path to being anti-racist (or any other “anti” for that matter) is not a comfortable one. You WILL discover and learn things that trigger you emotionally. That is ok. This is where the growth happens. Start by educating yourself on how you may be contributing to the problem (we all are) and take steps to minimise your own impact on people around you. A great first read might be Anti Racist Ally by Sophie Williams.

2. Listen
There is a lot of conversation going on right now about racism. Listen to this. Get curious and think about what this means to those who are speaking, especially within your own social circles and workplace. Amplify their voices so they are heard more loudly and more widely.

3. Ask questions
Don’t assume you know how to support people who are on the receiving end of racist remarks or behaviours. Yes, intervene and call it out when you witness it, and demonstrate you do not support what is happening. But also make sure to ask how you can help. Perhaps your colleague doesn’t want a public scene and would prefer you to step up and support them as a witness to HR instead. Perhaps they have suggestions on how policies or company events could be improved to make more people feel included. Centre them - not you.

And when you do ask questions, go back to number 2 and listen.

Properly.

Use what you have learned about self-education (number 1) and managing your own discomfort to put the needs of others first.

And then do it - be active in standing up and demanding change.

Fair warning - It will probably cost you something to do this. You might be seen differently by other colleagues. Labelled "difficult". Talked about. Judged.

This is a good thing. 

Your reputation can likely handle this, so take the hit. It’s the right thing to do.

What are you going to do today?