Being An Antiracist Society

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Being An Antiracist Society
Race does not exist biologically. However, we identify with race in a very powerful way. Race influences the experiences we have while also shaping our lives. In our society, whiteness is privileged and as a result, racist ideas are commonplace in our culture, institutions, and social systems. Earlier on in history, racist ideas were used to justify oppression and the unfair treatment of people of colour (NMAAHC). Today, people are made to believe that racism is a result of the individual mindset. However, racist policies also play a role in creating polarized societies. Although an individual’s personal choices can be damaging, racist ideas developed through policy are more likely to have a greater impact on our social systems and institutions (NMAAHC). I agree with Ibram Kendi that creating equal societies requires that we commit ourselves to being antiracist.
Being antiracist means being against racism. There are various types of racism. The first is individual racism. Individual racism refers to the attitudes, beliefs, and actions of people that perpetuate racism. In the United States (U.S.), individual racism is the most common narrative about racism (Kendi 12). There is a failure within American society to recognize systemic racism. An example of systemic racism is telling a racist joke. The second type of racism is interpersonal racism. This type of racism occurs between individuals. Interpersonal racism involves the public expression of slurs, hateful words and actions. The third type of racism is institutional racism (NMAAHC). This type of racism occurs in the organizational setting. Institutional racism manifests itself through discriminatory treatments, biased practices, and unfair policies. These acts often lead to outcomes that favor white people over people of color. Institutional racism does not single out any racial group. However, the intent is normally to create advantages. The fourth type is structural racism. Structural racism covers all institutions and society at large. Similarly, structural racism grants privilege to whites over people of color (Deggans). For instance, people of color are often stereotyped as criminals in feature films. The choices we make in a multicultural society define who we are because no one is biologically programmed to be racist. Being antiracist means making more equitable choices. Making equitable choices, however, requires unending self-reflection. When one fails to make antiracist choices, they are unconsciously promoting white supremacy, unequal institutions, and systems (Kendi 78). Being antiracist should be re...