While many of us white folk tend to want a list of what we can do to solve the problem right away, these issues go so much deeper than that. The first step is to examine your own beliefs and attitudes. That can be really hard. I am continuing to read and listen and learn.
I’ve learned that there is a big difference between saying that I am “not a racist” and actively being an “antiracist.”
In his book How to Be an Antiracist, Ibram X. Kendi writes:
“What’s the problem with being “not racist”? It is a claim that signifies neutrality: “I am not a racist, but neither am I aggressively against racism.” But there is no neutrality in the racism struggle. The opposite of “racist” isn’t “not racist.” It is “antiracist.”
There is so much to learn about how to be an anti-racist. Each of the 10 articles below will take 10 minutes or less to read.
1 – How to Talk to Kids about Race & Racism is a great article for parents, educators, or anyone who deals with kids. The authors explain why it’s important to have ongoing discussions with kids about race and racial issues with tips on what to say and questions to ask.
2 – Another helpful article for parents is this one: Talking to Children About Racial Bias. It explains how children learn about racial differences and racial bias as early as six months of age. It’s never too early (or too late) to begin these discussions with kids.
3 – White teachers and parents often talk about how they feel uncomfortable talking to white kids about race issues. “These Books Can Help You Explain Racism & Protest to Your Kids” from the New York Times has many helpful suggestions, along with children’s books to use for initiating these conversations.
4 – Another helpful article for teachers is “When You Need to Tackle Hard Topics at School”. This blog post gives helpful tips and several excellent children’s literature suggestions.
5 – While you are learning or continuing to learn about these tough issues, this article “100 Ways You Can Take Action Against Racism Right Now” in USA Today gives actionable tips.
6 – Bored Teachers is such a great website for teacher humor as well as articles and tips on currently trending topics. This article “Being ‘Non-Racist is Not Enough – Tips For Being Actively Antiracist” by Lauren Barrett of LaurenBarrettWrites uses the 4 C’s of critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity to give thinking prompts and specific tips.
7 – This article “How Systemic Racism Infiltrates Education” from Ben & Jerry’s blog (yes, the Ben & Jerry’s we ice cream lovers know and love) is very powerful. It explains a complicated and difficult issue. It ends with a list of tips for being part of the solution.
8 – How to Not Raise a Racist White Kid explains why white folks staying silent about racism is hurting our kids.
9 – 75 Things White People Can Do for Racial Justice is just that. Each of these activities takes little time but the author, Corinne Shutack, emphasizes that working for racial justice is a marathon, not a sprint or a quick fix. This list is continually being updated to keep it current.
10 – 8 Ways to Be Actively Anti-Racist in Your Daily Life gives eight things we can all do every single day.
Keep listening and learning, friends. I am doing the same.