Anti-Racism: How You Can Combat Systemic Racism, Educate Others and Support the BLM Movement
A Short Guide On Anti-Racism and How To Be an Ally
In light of the recent murder of George Floyd and the subsequent protests that have happened since May 25th 2020, I wanted to put this post together for a number of reasons:
1) I want this to be a permanent post on my platforms.
2) I want this blog post to help educate people on the importance of white privilege and anti-racism
3) I want this post to be able to be a reminder for me and others going forward that anti-racism isn't a "trend" on Instagram, and must be implemented in all aspects of our lives, now and going forward.
I am a white woman and I am ashamed to admit that until the recent murder of George, I had no idea that our world was still very much full of systemic racism.
Systemic racism, otherwise known as institutional racism, is racism on a large scale - present in not only day to day life, but ingrained in political and societal organisations. It is when racism is so ingrained in society that it becomes "normal". Which is absolutely shocking, nevertheless, it's true.
Until this week, I had been naive enough to "see no colour" and treat everyone equally, which I now know is a sign of just being a non-racist - meaning you do not take an active part in verbally using racist language, but yet do nothing to call others out on racist behaviour nor acknowledge that there is a much bigger problem.
Since the brutal murder of George Floyd in pure daylight by American Police, I have taken some time out to educate myself on the severity of the situation that the world finds itself in now. I think it is so important that we take the time now to learn about the oppression of black people and POC (people of colour) so that we can be informed and subsequently take action on this now and forever more.
I hope this blog post helps you find relevant sources of information that can help you understand how you can help support the Black Lives Matter movement and implement Anti-Racism in your life.
What is Racism, Anti-Racism and White Privilege?
Racism: prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against someone of a different race based on the belief that one's own race is superior. (Oxford Dictionary Online, 2020)
Anti-Racism: Anti-racism is the active process of identifying and eliminating racism by changing systems, organisational structures, policies, practices and attitudes, so that power is redistributed and shared equitably (http://www.aclrc.com/antiracism-defined)
White Privilege: inherent advantages possessed by a white person on the basis of their race in a society characterised by racial inequality and injustice. (Oxford Dictionary Online, 2020)
What Is The Black Lives Matter Movement and Why Does It Actually Matter?
#BlackLivesMatter was founded in 2013 in response to the acquittal of Trayvon Martin’s murderer. Black Lives Matter Foundation, Inc is a global organisation in the US, UK, and Canada, whose mission is to eradicate white supremacy and build local power to intervene in violence inflicted on Black communities by the state and vigilantes.
The Black Lives Matter movement is ultimately striving for a world where Black lives are no longer systematically targeted for demise in any area - law, work, pay structures, education, healthcare and housing all included.
There is so many useful articles, images and videos available on the website which you can use as a resource to help you further understand the movement and how it is helping Black communities in multiple nations.
You can support Black Lives Matter and #WhatMatters2020 by visiting their website here, signing their petitions and donating to their cause.
Resources:
There are so many helpful resources that are circulating on the internet at the moment from Black content creators, activist organisations and much more. Below I have listed the resources that I have personally used to help aid my understanding and encourage you to practise anti-racism from now onwards. I hope this is helpful. I have included a range of media sources as I realise some are easier to consume than others (books, articles, videos, websites, images).
What to Watch:
13th (Netflix)
When They See Me (Netflix)
Dear White People (Netflix and Download)
Who Killed Malcolm X
Explained: The Racial Wealth Gap (Netflix)
What to Read:
Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams
Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People About Race by Renni Eddo-Lodge
Girl, Woman, Other by Berndardine Evaristo
Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid
Where to Donate (linked):
Petitions to Sign (this is so important and takes less than 1 minute per petition) linked:
Teach British children about the realities of British Imperialism and Colonialism
Battle racism by updating GCSE reading lists
We Demand Justice for Sheku Bayoh
How to Action Your Education:
Call out people who use racist comments and explain to them why it's wrong.
Share your knowledge with other people who are not as educated as you.
Diversify your social media feeds, follow Black, POC, plus size, disabled, LGBTQ+ male and female accounts on all platforms.
Consider your work places' diversity and inclusion policies - ask to see them
Share information on your social platforms, no matter how big or small.
Check in on your black friends. Make sure they're OK.
Make your life going forward anti-racist, not just non-racist.
Please share this post with your family and friends! Thank you for reading.
- Lea Bella x
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