Anti-Racist
Dr. Ibram Kendi puts it this way: You're either a racist or an anti-racist.
“Being an anti-racist requires persistent self-awareness, constant self-criticism, and regular self-examination.”
I have never thought of calling myself an anti-racist. Not racist seemed enough. Well, turns out, as history has been showing for centuries, it's not.
A racist policy creates segregation among races. An anti-racist one promotes equality. There is no middle term — it all depends on what you support. Some state not being racist, while voting for those who promote racial segregation. There is no middle ground.
Still, Dr. Kendi suggests that the word racist should be been as purely descriptive rather than pejorative. It should only characterize a person who is supporting an action that reinforces racial inequality. It is not a static identity but a changing one. It possible to be a racist for decades, and be an anti-racist today.
The first step? Recognizing all the racist ideas acquired by socialization throughout our lives. Awareness, I would say. You can breathe all day long without noticing. Just like you can be exposed to racist ideas unconsciously.
“You have no umbrella, and you don’t even know that you’re wet with those racist ideas. Because the ideas themselves lead you to believe that you’re dry.”
We are not dry. But we still have the chance to pick up the umbrella and take it with us. Forget Winter. This is an all-season issue.