Someone actively working to define and dismantle racism.
"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'.
What's the difference? One endorses either the idea of a racial hierarchy as a
racist, or racial equality as an antiracist. One either believes the problems are rooted in groups of people, as a
racist, or locates the roots of problems in power and policies, as an antiracist. One either allows racial inequities to persevere, as a
racist, or confronts racial inequalities, as an antiracist.
There is no in-between safe space of 'not racist'. The claim of 'not racist' neutrality is a mask for racism." - Ibram X Kendi
If you have read this definition and are now confronted with the fact that you might be racist, it's okay. I was there with you only months ago. What's not okay is to have this realization and to neglect the work.
Your past does not define your future. Pick up a copy of Kendi's book "How To Be An Antiracist" and start doing this important work. I'm right there with you.
The opposite of '
racist' isn't 'not
racist'. It is 'antiracist'.
One either allows racial inequities to persevere, as a
racist, or confronts racial inequalities, as an antiracist.
