5 Simple Ways We Can Eradicate Racism, Discrimination and Intolerance
“No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.”
Nelson Mandela
March 21 marks the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. This is a special day as it is an opportunity to renew our commitment to building a world of justice where all are equal. Racial discrimination happens ALL over the world, but so does work to address it.
How can we show our dedication to equity for everyone, and work towards eliminating racial discrimination?
Here are five ways we can help to eradicate racism, discrimination and intolerance:
1. Stop making assumptions
Instead of assuming something based on someone’s race, ethnicity, accent or religious beliefs; ask. Asking means you are self-aware and educating yourself, showing that you understand “one size does not fit all”. By assuming you are demonstrating that you are naïve in your thoughts and worldview. It is very rare for people to complain about someone asking an authentic question; in fact in most cases it is admired. As the saying goes “there is never a dumb question”. The opposite happens when we assume. You know what they say about (ass)uming?
2. Speak up!
We are stronger when we all work together to eliminate discrimination. When you hear comments that are hateful or biased towards a group or an individual, speak up! These types of comments are often masked as jokes in social settings, but they can still be damaging as they feed into stereotypes. Words are powerful and have profound effects on people. Don’t be afraid to speak up, if not for yourself, but for the individual or group that is not in the room.
Recently, a friend shared that her co-workers make insensitive, racially-motivated jokes that have had a direct emotional impact on her, as her children are biracial. She made a point to let her co-workers know that the jokes were hurtful and unacceptable. The jokes stopped immediately, and her courage to speak up ensured that no one else would be subjected to this behaviour. Had she only shared this with one other colleague, they would have had the responsibility to step up and stop it
3. Step out of your comfort zone
Often we stick to what we know however; there is nothing wrong with stepping outside of our comfort zone. This can be something as little as trying a different type of food. Another way to step outside of your comfort zone is by attending a cultural event or festival. Most communities have cultural events and festivals year round, and it’s a great opportunity for children and parents to experience other cultures together, and educate themselves about how diverse the community is.
4. It’s okay to talk about our differences
Sometimes, there is nothing wrong with pointing out the obvious. Each and every one of us is unique; no two people are the same. Embracing our differences is another way for us to eliminate discrimination. Once we acknowledge that yes, we are all different, and that we each bring something different to the table, there will no longer be a reason to discriminate.
This is an area where a lot of organizations can reap benefits, by adopting a corporate culture that embraces diversity and recognizes that each employee, regardless of race, sex, gender, or sexual orientation, brings something of value every time they walk through the doors.
5. Choose love
This should be an obvious one, but we often get sidelined with what we see in current pop culture and throughout the mainstream media, especially with recent world events. It takes less energy to love someone than to hate them. Research has demonstrated a link between negativity and health and well-being. what we fear or dislike usually is not because of personal experience, but because of something we were told that has consciously or subconsciously influenced us. This is how racism, discrimination and xenophobia grow.
There’s a reason why none of these tips are new, and why they are so common- they WORK! Which one will you try more of today?