General Article How to be anti-racist

Topic Selected: Racism Book Volume: 447

In recent years, you’ve probably heard a lot about racism and the importance of standing up against it. You might even have heard people say, ‘I’m not racist.’ But there’s a big difference between being not racist and being anti-racist. Understanding this difference is a crucial first step in helping to make the world a fairer place.

Not racist vs. Anti-racist

Being ‘not racist’ is a passive position. It means that you don’t actively participate in racist behaviour or say openly racist things. It might sound like a good stance, but it’s not enough. Imagine standing by while someone bullies another person without stepping in – just because you’re not the one bullying doesn’t make the situation okay. It’s the same with racism. Racism doesn’t only come in the form of slurs or violence; it can be subtle, like unfair stereotypes or unequal opportunities based on someone’s skin colour.

On the other hand, being anti-racist is an active choice. It means recognising that racism exists in man...

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