How to Respond to Racist Comments
- What do you mean by that?
- Why do you believe that?
- Do you have evidence to support that belief?
- I don’t find this joke funny. It’s actually offensive and this is why…
- You may think it’s harmless, but it’s not. This is why…
- Don’t diminish the experiences of BIPOC. They face discrimination daily.
- Everything is about race. Society was literally built upon the oppression of BIPOC.
- Is the person’s race relevant to this story?
- That comment makes me uncomfortable. This is why…
- I disagree.
- Here’s an article about why that comment is offensive.
Tokenism: Having a very small number of people from different backgrounds in order to seem diverse. Says, “Well, we have someone who’s Black in our group.”
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Diversity: Having representation of a variety of backgrounds within the group. Asks “Who’s in the room? Do we need more of this race here?”
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Equity: Everyone has access to equal resources. Asks “Who is trying to get in the room, but can’t? Who isn’t getting the same opportunities?”
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Inclusion: Everyone feels welcomed and valued within the group. Asks “Has everyone been heard? Does everyone feel they belong?”
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Justice: Asks “Who won’t be taken as seriously because they aren’t in the majority? Whose safety isn’t being considered in order to keep the majority comfortable?”
How to be an Ally
Check yourself. Ensure you aren’t centering yourself in the movement, especially when you don’t have the same lived experiences. Don’t compare the experiences of BIPOC with your own, as it draws attention away from the topic at hand.
Listen to the BIPOC in your life. Avoid the instinct to interrupt when a BIPOC is speaking of their experiences with your own feelings, thoughts and experiences. Be open-minded and prepared to change your ideas and beliefs as you learn more.
Acknowledge the feelings of BIPOC. While you might feel defensive at first, allow them to feel how they want in response to their oppression. Don’t talk to them about your white guilt; in these issues, BIPOC feelings must be put first.
Talk about racism with other white people in your life. For BIPOC to discuss and educate white people on these issues, it is much more mentally exhausting, as they already experience racial discrimination everyday.
Call out white privilege when you witness it. Recognize that you have power in these social situations, and if you call it out, people will start recognizing that it’s wrong.
Reflect before you act. Make sure you’ve done enough listening, learning, researching and reflecting before you jump in with solutions. This will help you avoid white saviourism.
Student and Family Advocates Initiative
Student and Family Advocates will help Black students and families connect to supports, services and opportunities to help them achieve their educational, career, and life goals.
Student and Family Advocates will work directly with your family to develop individual strategies for helping you and your child to overcome barriers when navigating school processes and systems. The advocates will provide a range of supports, which may include:
- supporting you and your child to navigate through elementary, secondary and postsecondary school systems
- advocating for your family during processes like disciplinary practices and parent-teacher communications
- helping you and your child access community resources and services
- building a relationship with your family inside and outside of schools
- providing leadership, advice and support to schools on anti-Black racism
- cultivating positive outcomes for Black children, youth and families in schools
- working with community partners, participants and schools to amplify the voices and experiences of Black students and families to activate changes in education systems
Fight Racism
Every day, each and every one of us can stand up against racial prejudice and disrespectful attitudes.
Let’s build a world beyond racism and discrimination, where we all exercise our human rights. Fight Racism
Anti-Racist Accounts to Follow
- Rachel Elizabeth Cargle
- Liz Kleinrock
- From Privilege to Progress
- Anti-Racism Daily
- so you want to talk about…
- No White Saviours
*Remember, these accounts are often doing this work for free. Don’t ask them for more resources or education, when you can first Google your questions.
Understanding Racism
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