Being nonracist is not enough from "summary" of So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo
It’s not enough to simply say, “I am not racist.” Being nonracist is not the end goal; being antiracist is. Being antiracist means actively opposing racism in all its forms, not just abstaining from racist actions or thoughts. It means recognizing the ways in which racism is ingrained in society and actively working to dismantle it. It requires a commitment to challenging your own biases and beliefs, as well as speaking out against racism when you see it. To be antiracist, we must be willing to have difficult conversations about race, even if it makes us uncomfortable. We must educate ourselves about the history of racism and how it continues to manifest today. We must be willing to listen to and learn from the experiences of people of color, rather than dismissing or invalidating their perspectives. Being nonracist is passive; being antiracist is active. It requires us to take a stand and advocate for change, even if it means facing criticism or backlash. It means using our privilege to uplift marginalized voices and amplify their stories. It means being willing to use our resources and influence to support antiracist initiatives and organizations.- Being antiracist is a lifelong commitment. It’s not something we can achieve overnight or check off a list. It requires ongoing self-reflection, education, and action. It means being willing to make mistakes and learn from them, rather than giving up when things get tough. It means being willing to do the work, even when it’s not easy. Being nonracist may be a good start, but it’s not enough. We must strive to be antiracist in all that we do.
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