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.
