DAY 7: Give up ignoring what creates and upholds racism
Many of our systems and norms that are seen as a standard, actually uphold and enforce racism. We can easily identify programs such as segregation, Jim Crow laws, internment programs as systems that are racist from their origin, implementation and impact.
Some other modern norms that uphold racism include:
Capitalism: You could argue that capitalism is neutral, however the application often reinforces the dynamic that racism is designed for by disadvantaging people of color and privileging people who are white identified.
Hierarchy: Organisations can often find themselves with staff makeups that reflect those who come from the dominant culture.
Media: There are countless examples of how there is different treatment provided for people who are white-identified as opposed to people of color. The media strongly shapes the public perception of people of color, so when individuals are trying to understand other POC’s, they have to overcome a previous perception that the media has influenced.
Passivism: People are often witnesses to acts of racism, and they may acknowledge that privately with a person of color, yet they don’t engage with the people who are committing the acts of racism to interrupt harm.
TIP: Consider what your intervention will be when you witness and see harm.
RESOURCES: