Anti-racism is the opposition to racism. It is a way of being that actively identifies with explicitly opposing racism. Overview Racism exists in society on many levels with both overt racism, through individual actions of discrimination, but also exists in more inconspicuous ways such as through micro aggressions (Sue et al., 2007), or structural racism where policies and distribution of wealth favours white majorities (e.g. Braveman et al, 2022). Being antiracist is explicitly taking a stand against such practices and seeking to eradicate racism and supporting equity (Bonnett, 1999). Theoretical perspectives Racism is the view that people of colour are worth less than white people. Furthermore, racist views have led to oppression and unfair treatments of people of colour including both enslavement and segregation. Racism exists on multiple levels in society, through individuals still holding onto the views that people of different colours hold different worth, to policies that contribute to polarisation in society (NMAAHC, n.d). Being antiracist means actively fighting against racism and comes from making daily choices to fight the injustice of racism. It requires both self-awareness and self-reflection to identify ways in which we ourselves are engaging in or supporting racist behaviour or policy. From the antiracist perspective, not standing up against racism is not the antithesis to racism, as not standing up still allows structural racism and individual acts of racism to persist (Bonnet, 1999; Kendi, 2019; NMAAHC, n.d.). Anti-racism stands as the direct opposite to racism and suggests an active approach (Kendi, 2019). Everyone in society has the power to challenge racism and engage in antiracist practices. This requires the individual to self-examine their behaviours, biases, and perspectives, and come to the uncomfortable truth that we live in a society that has favoured whiteness above other ethnicities. References Bonnett, A. (1999). Anti-Racism (1st ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203976098 Braveman, P.A., Arkin, E., Proctor, D., Kauh T., & Holm, N. (2022). Systemic and structural racism: definitions, examples, health damages, and approaches to dismantling. Health Affairs, 41(2). Kendi, I. X. (2019). How to be antiracist. One world. Smithsonian, National Museum of African American History and Culture; NMAAHC (n.d.) Being Antiracist. https://nmaahc.si.edu/learn/talking-about-race/topics/being-antiracist Sue, D. W., Capodilupo, C. M., Torino, G. C., Bucceri, J. M., Holder, A., Nadal, K. L., & Esquilin, M. (2007). Racial microaggressions in everyday life: implications for clinical practice. American psychologist, 62(4), 271. Context for mentoring African International Students Most people would easily say that they are not racist, and a lot of people would probably also say they are antiracist. When mentoring people of colour there is a real opportunity to practise anti-racism. Most Scholars are people of colour and will therefore most likely experience racism in their lives, be that direct and individual racism or organisational or structural racism. One way of supporting a mentee of colour is the commitment to being antiracist yourself. This will mean to challenge your own biases and conceptions, but also to trust and validate your mentee’s experience of race. Remember, your mentee is first and foremost an individual, but also an individual who most likely has experienced racism and being seen through the lens of colour multiple times. You can support them by seeing them as individuals, while remembering and supporting them in experiences when they are seen as part of a group rather than as a person. Practical suggestions Being antiracist is a lifelong commitment, and there are many actions a person can take to get involved at many levels. Alastair Bonnet highlights a whole series of practices in his book Anti-racism (1999; linked below). First and foremost being antiracist is a commitment to fighting racism whenever and wherever it is seen. More specifically you can: Educate yourself on different cultures and ethnicities. It is not people’s responsibility to teach you about them, you have to put in the work to understand the lived experiences of people of colour and different cultures. Explore your biases. Using self-reflection to develop self-awareness is key (see ‘Becoming aware of personal biases’, LINK). Avoid using stereotypes and committing microaggressions (see ‘Becoming a minority’, LINK). Challenge statements and comments when you hear them. It can be difficult to challenge friends and colleagues when they are insensitive, but standing up can help educate others and help shoulder the work that otherwise falls on people of colour. Support businesses of people of colour and get involved in antiracist efforts. Use your privilege for good. Mentoring is already a great way of using your privilege for good. Consider other ways in which you can support people of colour. Listen and accept experiences of people of colour. Useful links A great resource from the Smithsonian, National Museum of African American History and Culture; NMAAHC (n.d.) on being antiracist: Being antiracist This article was published on 2024-06-24
