I had a discussion with someone today

[pat_k]

119. We must cultivate a more truthful -- and useful -- understanding.

Ibram X. Kendi defines what it means to be an antiracist (and a definition of racist)

In this extract from his 2019 book How To Be an Antiracist, historian Ibram X. Kendi breaks down exactly what the term means – and why clear language is a vital first step in the battle against prejudice.

RACIST: One who is supporting a racist policy through their actions or inaction or expressing a racist idea.

ANTIRACIST: One who is supporting an antiracist policy through their actions or expressing an antiracist idea.

Definitions anchor us in principles. This is not a light point: If we don’t do the basic work of defining the kind of people we want to be in language that is stable and consistent, we can’t work toward stable, consistent goals. Some of my most consequential steps toward being an antiracist have been the moments when I arrived at basic definitions. To be an antiracist is to set lucid definitions of racism/antiracism, racist/antiracist policies, racist/anti-racist ideas, racist/antiracist people. To be a racist is to constantly redefine racist in a way that exonerates one’s changing policies, ideas, and personhood.

So let’s set some definitions. What is racism? Racism is a marriage of racist policies and racist ideas that produces and normalizes racial inequities. Okay, so what are racist policies and ideas? We have to define them separately to understand why they are married and why they interact so well together. In fact, let’s take one step back and consider the definition of another important phrase: racial inequity.

Racial inequity is when two or more racial groups are not standing on approximately equal footing. Here’s an example of racial inequity: 71 percent of White families lived in owner-occupied homes in 2014, compared to 45 percent of Latinx families and 41 percent of Black families. Racial equity is when two or more racial groups are standing on a relatively equal footing. An example of racial equity would be if there were relatively equitable percentages of all three racial groups living in owner-occupied homes in the forties, seventies, or, better, nineties.

A racist policy is any measure that produces or sustains racial inequity between racial groups. An antiracist policy is any measure that produces or sustains racial equity between racial groups. By policy, I mean written and unwritten laws, rules, procedures, processes, regulations, and guidelines that govern people. There is no such thing as a nonracist or race-neutral policy. Every policy in every institution in every community in every nation is producing or sustaining either racial inequity or equity between racial groups.

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The people who actively spout white supremist clap trap and hateful racial epithets aren't the only "racists" in this country.

We have been raised in a racist society maintained by racist policies. We all have been inculcated with racist beliefs. For example, a notion that characteristics of a group are responsible for the inequality we see. The focus is on "fixing" the members of the group, rather then implementing policy that produces and sustains equality among racial groups.

These sorts of ideas are deeply rooted in people across the political spectrum -- and across ethnic groups. In the introduction to his book, Ibram relates a speech he gave in an MLK competition -- one filled with racist ideas. ("I remember the MLK competition so fondly. But when I recall the racist speech I gave, I flush with shame." Link to excerpt here.)

When we recognize that everyone harbors biased or racist views of some sort, we realize we don't need to feel ashamed or guilty when we uncover them in ourselves. On the contrary, when you start from the understanding that we all have biases, your job is just to find them. Whatever you discover, you should feel good that you made the effort, because identifying these notions is the first step in stamping them out. The effort allows you to take a more realistic look at our world and how racist, sexist, ageist and other attitudes and policies are maintained -- even by the most well-meaning people. And when you see more clearly, you can be part of the solution.

As long as we comfort ourselves with the notion that we are free of racism, we will remain part of the problem.

I highly recommend Ibram's book.

Also highly recommended,
White Fragility:
Why It’s So Hard For White People To Talk About Racism, Robin DiAngelo