Nine ways to help build a less racist society

Today is the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, and everybody can do something to knock down barriers.
The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed annually on March 21, the anniversary of the day police in Sharpeville, South Africa, opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against apartheid in 1960.
Sixty-two years later, discrimination and racism continue to be the most difficult and frustrating global issues that prevent people from reaching their full potential. Despite extraordinary accomplishments on human rights, prejudice based on race persists. In Canada, there has been an increase in overt and covert forms of discrimination, far-right ideology, and white supremacist groups — though all face strong opposition from social justice movements.
Despite the harsh realities, we must remain optimistic about what we can do together to improve ourselves and our communities. It is possible to become conscious of our individual and societal racial biases; to form coalitions for the sake of social justice; and to create opportunities for compassion and kindness.
All of this, though, begins with each of us gaining a better understanding of discrimination and helping to bring about positive changes. The logical question is: “Where do I begin?”

Here are some suggested steps we can all take. Most of these recommendations can also be implemented by organizations, communities of faith, businesses and other groups that are ready to begin the hard work of undoing racism.

 Become racially literate. Our capacity for creating positive social change depends on our understanding and awareness of the role of race and racism in shaping our life experiences. This enables us to use our knowledge and skills to influence much-needed systemic changes.

Acknowledge implicit bias. Understand the impact of racial ideas and behaviour on your upbringing and values. It’s easier to pretend racism is someone else’s problem, but the truth is that none of us is immune to bias. The more aware we are of our individual biases, the more empowered we are to challenge them within broader systems.

 Learn about the local history of racial oppression. Try to understand the dynamics of racial oppression and segregation in your own community; the racist practices or policies at your place of employment or educational institutions; and push for new approaches to challenge systemic racism.

 Educate and empower youth. Help youth understand systemic racism and discrimination. We need to become more comfortable reflecting on and sharing our own experiences, and discussing the historical, social and psychological dynamics of racism with young people.

Reject the idea of reverse racism. The powerless can never be “racists,” because only people who belong to a racially dominant group (or groups) can benefit from systemic racism. Prejudiced ideas alone don’t lead to benefits for one race over another without structural power.

 Call out racism. Racial supremacy persists, to a great degree, because those belonging to the dominant race refuse to challenge the people around them on their racism. Get comfortable having difficult conversations with people in your circle about power and privilege.

 Support anti-racism and anti-hate coalitions. Make a commitment to those who are doing the work to dismantle systemic discrimination.

 Develop a powerful counter-narrative. Listen to and amplify the voices of marginalized communities. Promote their messages through multiple channels to counteract hate.

Support building an equitable and anti-racist economy that strengthens communities, enables ordinary people to support themselves with dignity, and tackles historic economic inequities.

The fight for racial justice is not just something that will help people of colour; it’s vital for our collective wellbeing. It can lead to shared prosperity, reduced social isolation, and a reduction in anxiety and fear. It can also help build multicultural competence in our increasingly diverse societies and promote empathy and compassion.

Eliminating racism and discrimination cannot be done by a single person, organization or government. It takes the mindfulness, cooperation and actions of everyone in our society. We all have a role to play in making a stronger, more equitable world.

Abid Jan is the Director of Capacity Building for United Way East Ontario. United Way is the backbone organization leading United for All, a coalition of partners committed to overcoming hate-based violence, racism and extremism.

Comments
  • tlover tonet
    Posted October 30, 2024 3:53 pm
    Your comment is awaiting moderation.

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