How do I make the "right choice" when it comes to enacting anti-racism?
Every day, we make hundreds of decisions. Whether large or small, each one provides us with the opportunity to challenge larger systems of oppression and racism - or reinforce them. But how can you tell if your actions are racist, neutral, or genuinely anti-racist? Use this simple reflection process to keep your actions aligned with anti-racist values:
STEP ONE: EXPLORE THE BIGGER PICTURE
Make sure you take time to understand how the choice you face fits into the much larger puzzle.
Consider:
What harm is occurring in this situation?
How is racism being enacted or reinforced?
How does this connect to larger patterns in current society and in American history?
STEP TWO: IDENTIFY YOUR POSSIBLE PATHWAYS
How could you further the harm that’s happening?
Your intention may not be to enact racism, but your impact is what matters. If your decision will create further harm, you are at risk of enacting racism.
What are some options that would allow you to stay neutral or avoid getting involved?
Choosing one of these responses may feel like you’re not being racist. However, if you’re a white person, allowing racism to go unchallenged is still ultimately racist. So long as racism persists and white people continue to benefit from this status quo, there is no neutral option.
What would it look like for you to disrupt the harm that’s happening?
Consider what power you have to speak out, redirect resources, halt a process, educate others, frankly name the issue at hand, or otherwise work to influence the outcome towards addressing the potential harm.
How can you challenge the bigger structures that allow this harm to occur?
Remember that individual experiences of racism are upheld by the larger policies and practices that shape our society. Consider how you can advocate for change at the structural level to prevent future racism as well.
STEP 3: RECOGNIZE YOUR POTENTIAL BARRIERS
Taking anti-racist action can come with risk. It's critical that you're aware of your fears - whether it's straining a relationship or putting your job at risk - so that you can understand how to overcome your potential barriers to action.
Ask yourself:
What feels like the safest option?
What power dynamics are at play here?
What am I risking by choosing to act in an anti-racist way?
STEP 4: MAKE THE INTENTIONAL CHOICE
Make an intentional decision, grounded in an awareness of the greater context and impact of your action. Remember to stay reflective and open to feedback as you continue to grow and learn.
Plan Your Next Steps
Identify opportunities to spark individual and collective change:
What changes do you want to commit to personally based on what has been surfaced?
What patterns of behavior do you recognize in yourself or your group, and how can you disrupt those patterns?
How can you use this framework with others to reflect on and learn from a recent event?