Dear white people, why are you anti-racist?
Are you anti-racist because...
...You want to be a good person?
...You don't want people to think you are racist?
...You want to be accepted by Black, Indigenous and People of Colour communities?
These are the wrong reasons to be anti-racist.
Anti-racism is not about self-betterment;
It's about dismantling systems of oppression to create a just society that is equitable, safe and inclusive of all Black, Indigenous and People of Colour. Main text paragraph 2
Committing to anti-racism for your own self-betterment would only include things like:
Reading about anti-racism
Watching or listening to anti-racism content
Reposting anti-racism content
Voicing how committed to anti-racism you are and having non-solution-focused conversations with no meaningful follow-up action
While anti-racism to dismantle systems of oppression would include:
Organizing, protesting, blockading or boycotting - even when it's not to your social/political/financial benefit
Asking BIPOC-led community organizations what type of help they need and engaging in the capacity they tell you is needed, even when it feels challenging
Speaking out and challenging systems of oppression even when it's not to your benefit
Working through your discomfort and staying engaged after receiving constructive criticism from BIPOC folk
Committing to anti-racism to be a 'better person' or to be 'accepted' by BIPOC communities focuses on you rather than advancing equity, inclusion and justice for these communities.
When your anti-racism is focused on improving your self-image, it prevents you from receiving feedback.
This is because hearing criticism feels like a personal attack rather than ways to get closer to the goal of a society free of oppressive systems.
Consider the Following:
Is your anti-racism about you or a better society? How is your commitment practiced daily?
What do you do when you're anti-racism gets challenged? Are you defensive? What if you are challenged by a racialized person who is angry or upset about it? How are you responding then?
Do you put your resources (time, network and money) toward the cause? Are you voting in solidarity? Speaking up in solidarity in work and social situations - even if it isn't comfortable to do so? Or is your expectation that racialized people to speak up alone every time?
Have you shown up to protests or boycotted something in solidarity? Even if it has inconvenienced you? Put your white body - which is afforded privileges - on the protest lines? Used your privilege to make a difference?
