Author:
Monica Porter
Date Of Creation:
21 March 2021
Update Date:
1 July 2024
Content
You can't seem to avoid the news of hate crimes, riot or even police violence stemming from racism. But what is racism, and what can you do to combat it? Understanding racism and recognizing the effects of racism is the first step in fighting it when you face it yourself, when you witness racism or discrimination. treatment, or when the issue of race is widespread in the mass media.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Dealing with Racism On Your Side
Understand that you are not overreacting. Similar to harassment, transient and often unintentional acts of racism (known as "petty assault") may not seem like a big deal to others, but if those behaviors disturb you, they have to be stopped.
- Studies show that people of color suffer from daily minor racial attacks, but those who commit such behaviors most likely deny that they did something wrong or that their actions resulted from prejudice. race. This can make people of color feel like they are imagining things, or worry that when they speak up, their experiences will be denied and deemed unfounded.
Leave it. When you are subjected to minor assault or some more obvious form of racial hatred, put your needs first; you can choose to leave. You are under no obligation to try to understand and come in contact with such a person.- As a victim of racism, you have no obligation to "fix" the person who attacked you. Engaging in conversations about racism will only make you feel tired and sad, not to mention hard work, while you can just leave. But if you want to try to understand and interact with the person at fault, you can also choose this option.
Only raise problems in words or manners. Instead of accusing someone of being racist, risking developing a ruffled self-defense, point out exactly why that person's behavior or words matter.- For example, instead of saying "You insult others" say "That way of saying will insult Asians". By using "that speech" instead of "you" you divert your focus from the attacker to his or her words.
Be frank with your friends. You are never obligated to accept or face racism just to avoid friction with your friends. Racism is always wrong and you have the right to speak up.- If you think someone is behaving racist, point out why that behavior is problematic. You can choose your approach; understand that people tend to be fluffy when criticized, so the more skillful you are, the more receptive they'll be.
Coping with racist remarks or behavior within the group. When someone on the team does or says something offensive, depending on several factors, how effective you are in approaching and solving the problem can be high or low. Define your goal when criticizing racist behavior in the group: you want everyone there to know that you won't listen to such things, or you want to stay connected with someone who accidentally did. Something nasty?
- Criticizing a person's racist behavior in front of others rather than communicating in private will make the group understand that you are not accepting such behavior towards you. However, when criticized in front of friends, people tend to be ruffled in self-defense.
- If you feel that the behavior is completely unintentional and you are interested in keeping your crush on the person at fault or maintaining a relationship with the person, you can take it off for a while, then ask them if you can meet privately to talk about it or not. There are many limitations when you wait to speak, such as the person may forget what he said or under what circumstances, another limitation is the wait to express the message that you will not. refute such behavior.
Practice different approaches to racist behavior or speech. There are many ways to respond to gruesome things, and you need to choose the response that suits your personality and your relationship with the person at fault.
- You can reach out by sharing: "You know, I hurt when people say or do so, because ..." Talking about your feelings will make people less self-defense than to be frank. criticize what they have done, but the above approach also makes them feel less responsible for their behavior, which is not the right strategy in the long run.
- Another more direct approach is to say "You shouldn't say that or do that. It offends people of this race because ...". That approach lets people know that their behavior is hurting and that they should stop.
Learn how to deal with the racism of people of higher status. If your teacher or boss treats you differently because of your race, disparages and confuses you, it's hard to deal with because they are in a position of authority over you and can influence you. to your score or income.
- If you think their racism was intentional or careless, and if you have a good working relationship with this person, consider talking to the teacher or boss. The person may not be aware that his or her behavior is dreadful. For example, a teacher who asks you to state "Asians views" may not realize that their behavior is offensive to you, since Asians are not one identity.
- If you talk to a teacher or boss, make sure you reach out to them when they're not busy and request a private conversation. Let them understand your concerns clearly, directly, and without emotion: "Sometimes I see you making me different from others just because of my race. I really hope we are You can chat so that this situation doesn't happen again. "
- If you find that racism is intentional, malicious, or if you think talking directly with a teacher or boss could have negative consequences for you, affecting your work relationship. account, you need to talk to someone with higher authority. At the school, that person can be the school counselor or principal. At work, you can talk to your boss's human resources department or manager. First, make sure you keep a record of any little racist or offensive behavior they have. Schedule a private meeting where you can present what happened (including the frequency of the behavior, quote them directly or describe the action in each case if possible) and explain why these behaviors are not acceptable.
Understand your rights. If you are subject to racism in the workplace or in public places, you may have certain legal rights. In the United States, both state and federal laws are against racism, notably the Civil Rights Act of 1964.- In the United States, you can contact a civil or workplace rights attorney, if racism has taken your home, job, safety or any other liberties away. your. Most states have strict discrimination reporting schedules, so be sure to contact an attorney immediately.
- If you want to sue and cannot pay a lawyer, there are many human rights groups that can help. In the United States, consider contacting the US Southern Poverty Law Research Center or the Anti-Defamation Commission.
Distinguishing acts of racism and racist people. The racists are provoked by fanatical stubbornness and prejudice, and they are unlikely to change even when you face them. Acts of racism are often the error or result of maturation in cultures where racism is the norm.- With racists, you are more likely to spend less effort deciding to face them or spend the time educating them about racism and why their behavior disturbs you. Often times, these people will assume that you are trying to gain an advantage because of your race, when you are really offended by their words or actions. Rarely will a person who is truly racist listen to you and change his or her behavior just because their actions bother you. In some cases, you can be in danger if you try hard to confront them.
- However, if a person is, basically, kind, but sometimes makes racist comments or statements, you can motivate them to stop by explaining why their behavior is offensive. to someone else. These people are often completely unaware of the real effects of racism in the world.
- It is up to you to decide whether you need to take the time to deal with racist people, or racist behaviors or policies. You have no obligation to educate others just because you are in the minority.
Take care of yourself. The endurance of racism is a heavy burden and can be traumatic. Make sure your trusted supporters are with you and that you are taking the time to build your emotional and psychological strength.- The stresses resulting from dealing with racism can affect every aspect of life, including your mental health, school performance, and even risk of serious illness.
- Join student associations for students of color, political organizations, or peer groups to meet and connect with peers like you. Talk to family members about stressful situations and how to cope with them. Studies show that discussing with people who have similar negative experiences is important in helping you cope with the stresses associated with these experiences.
Method 2 of 4: Dealing with Race Discrimination Targeting Others
Speak up when you hear a racist or a racist joke. People often ignore racist comments or jokes when they're upset and don't know what to say. However, being prepared in advance will give you the ability to react and act to defend what is right. There are many problem approaches you can choose from depending on your personality, your relationship with the person who spoke these words and the circumstances in which you are then:
- Consider responding, "That's not good." In some cases, like in the middle of class or when you get off the bus stop, you won't have the time or ability to fully communicate what someone said, but you can let them know that their behavior was beyond the allowed level. You will feel better when you defend the right thing.
- Try saying, "Oh, that's racist. Why are you saying that?" Starting a conversation will make the other person reflect on whether they should say what they just said.
- If it's a joke, try saying, "Why is that joke funny?" in a serious tone, as if you didn't understand the joke. Forcing someone to explain why their joke is funny will make them consider the racist implications they have made. After explaining, if they still think the joke is a joke, you can say, "That joke is really racist."
Dealing with racism in your home. Sometimes the most offending people are family members, like your respected grandfather or your mother. Your family member may make racist comments or jokes, or actually be discriminatory towards other races (for example, not allowing you to date blacks or not giving people away Indian friends visit your home). This situation can be difficult for you, as those are the people you respect and obey (for example, your parents, while you were living with your family).
- Stay calm, but let them know how you feel. Your family is built on a foundation of love and trust, so you should confidently let your family member know when they have said or done something that is annoying. Don't yell, don't criticize them personally, but let them know: for example, you could say "I don't like what you say" or "What he said makes me feel uncomfortable," or ask them to explain. like the reason they say such racist words. This action will initiate the conversation and give you an opportunity to figure out why their behavior is down.
- Note that sometimes talking to these people can make matters worse; for example, if an uncle knows that racist jokes bother you, he may deliberately make more jokes.
- If your parents make racist rules about your friends, you will have to make a choice. You can follow that rule while you're with your parents, or you can secretly break their rules. Understand that when they know your actions, you can suffer consequences.
- Sometimes you can't get a racist family member to stop doing or saying hurtful things. You can choose to stay as far away from the person as you can, and keep telling them how you feel about their racism, but unfortunately, in some cases, it won't work. fruit. Understand their options and do your best to avoid harboring prejudiced and blind thoughts or habits.
Become an ally. If you oppose racism but are not in the minority, every time you encounter racism, you can play an important role in coping with it. Learning to distinguish small attacks against people of color, you can take advantage of your preferred position to fight racism of all kinds.
- Practice racial exchanges in "safe spaces for minority people." Racism is a difficult subject, and non-minorities are often taught that they should not speak up or "see" racial differences. It can be very difficult to combat racism when they do, because you may not have any experience in racial conversation. Find other allies who also want to fight racism, and practice together the racist situations you encounter in your everyday life.
Method 3 of 4: Dealing with Racism in Society
Meet people who are different from you. In many parts of the world, it can be difficult to get to know people of other races. It is natural to look towards people who are similar to you, and so sometimes we will only have friends of the same race. Explore other cultures and ways to experience the world. It broadens your vision of the world, and helps friends, family or children realize that friendships with different people are normal and acceptable.
- Visit cultural fairs, festivals and meet-up activities in the community where you live. Go to your local library or community center to find information.
- Join a club, start a new hobby, visit a church or chapel, or join a group to make new friends.
Talk about race. Race has become a subject of taboo, because many are taught from a young age that it is indecent or inappropriate to discuss race. But while racism persisted, debates, readiness to learn, and empathy were crucial; Many studies have shown that racial exchanges increase understanding and tolerance. Take this opportunity to initiate the debate.
- If you're a parent, talk to your children about race. Don't force them to be orderly when they say someone of a different skin color; It is normal to pay attention to differences in children. Teach them the difference is good! Say things like, "Yeah, great, isn't it? Joe is black and I'm yellow. We're all different!"
- When your child is old enough to be cognizant, talk to them about racism. If you are in the minority, you can let your children know what they might face in advance, and build their self-esteem and confidence so they can react appropriately in all situations. If you're not in the minority, it's still important to talk to your kids about racism. Teach your child about the history of race in the country, and explain to them why some people have racist attitudes towards others (prejudices, stereotypes, fanatical stereotypes, etc. ).
Dedication. If possible, raise money or volunteer at anti-racism organizations in your local community or country, such as the following in the United States:
- South American Center for the Law of the Poor
- Defamation Prevention Committee
- Human Rights Campaign
Method 4 of 4: Understanding Racism
Understand the difference between racism, fanatical stubbornness, and prejudice. These phrases are sometimes used interchangeably in the media or in conversations, but there are differences between them that need to be understood. Knowing the difference between these concepts will help you in communicating, as people often use the wrong term to mean what they mean.
- Racism is a regime of oppression directed at a group of people by race, color or ethnicity. In general, racism involves a racial or majority ethnic group setting laws, policies, systems, and cultural standards that prioritize their race, while races or other minorities were harmed.
- Fanatical stubbornness, on the other hand, is hatred. Fanatical stubbornness means hating a group of people for who they are and / or believing their group is paramount, this hate is not limited to race or ethnicity; you may hate a group of people because of their religion, gender, sexual orientation, race, physical disability, etc. For example, the Jewish genocide was provoked by fanatical stubbornness, which is similar to the driving force behind all hate crimes under US law.
- Prejudice (literally "prejudice") is the assumption that you understand a person because they belong to a certain group. Although the word often has a negative connotation, prejudice isn't always bad. For example, the stereotype is that all Asians are good at math, or that all people of color are great singers or athletes. These are stereotyped statements based on race. You may also have prejudices against someone because of religion, gender, physical disability, etc., so similar to fanatical stubbornness, prejudice is not limited to race.
Understand the intersection of these three concepts and their relationship to racism. Sometimes racist policies or practices are very "conspicuous" (at least when you look at their histories), for example, the history of American slavery (at that time it was considered self legal and religiously accepted course) did exist on the racist regime. However, at other times, people still debated whether certain policies or practices were racist; for example, many consider the Act Positive US policy (requiring companies in the United States to meet recruitment quota from different demographic groups) is racist, when others argued that this policy prevents racism.
- Because racism is the mistreatment of a group by a powerful group, "reciprocal racism" (often used to describe a situation where members of a minority group mistreat membership of a majority group because of their race) the term is incorrect. That action should be called "fanatical stubbornness" or "prejudice" instead of "racism."
- It's important to remember that you can support racism even if you don't hate anyone. In fact, you can support racism without even knowing it, because racism is a regime of widespread repression.
Understand the history of racism in your own country and around the world. The sad but true truth about the nature of human civilization throughout history is that most major civilizations have had to resist racism. The reason is that racism is the mistreatment of powerless (the few) by those in power (the few), and race is one of the main dividing lines by which humans have used to date to determine who has or does not have power.
- In North America, the history of racism is believed to have begun when white Europeans settled on the continent and invaded indigenous peoples (Native Americans or Indians). . In fact, one racial group had more power than the other (in terms of weapons and epidemics that slaughtered all of the people of these races).
- In the Victorian period in Europe, racism was embedded in the Western way of thinking thanks to the supposed "scientific" discoveries of racial differences. Influenced by Dacuyn (Darwin) theory of evolution, scientists believe that the white Anglo race has evolved further than other races.
Understand how racism connects with the public system. Although many oppressive regimes such as slavery have been abolished in many parts of the world, racism attitudes and policies, big or small, are still a problem in every nation.
Recognize the consequences of racism. Because racism is systemic, its influence can be seen in the media, in government agencies, the school system, and even religion.
- Pay attention to stereotypes about other races or ethnicities on television, books, or movies. The popularity of video and video games has opened up many avenues for thisism to spread. Contact the producers of racist products and explain your grievances. Refuse to support any business or organization that allows racism to occur.
Understand that not all racism is conspicuous. In everyday life, "small attacks" are more common than obvious hatred, but they do the same thing. As the name implies, minor assaults are tiny discriminatory behaviors that many may not recognize - but over time, with people of color, those attacks become more pronounced and damaging. love.
- A slight onslaught can be anything, from unconsciously stepping away from a colored person on a train, asking a black woman if her hair is really "hers". , or ask an Asian American where they "really" come from.
- Small attacks, other than obvious acts of hatred, are often unintentional. This makes it difficult for people of color to "prove" that the behavior happened, and at the same time they risk being viewed as being too angry or accused of trying to gain an advantage through race. when opposing such offensive acts.
Advice
- In the United States, file a civil rights lawsuit when you have been a victim of longstanding racism.
- Maybe you've acted racist, and you didn't know it. Read this helpful wikiHow article for tips on how to stop behaving like this.
Warning
- While dealing with racism is admirable, it can also be dangerous. Understand that there are risks associated with dealing with racism, especially when the subject is provoked by fanatical stubbornness rather than mere ignorance.
