Racism is a big issue in our world nowadays. Throughout history, we are challenged with the ethical question of whether all human beings are equal. #BlackLivesMatter movement has been taking place greatly throughout social media. In contrast, Asian racism is intensifying due to the spread of COVID-19. Even if racism may seem like a huge issue that none of us are capable of controlling, we can still take small steps to solve the problem within our community. There are many ways we can prevent racism at school.
First, reflect upon your own values and perspectives to raise self-awareness. Oftentimes, you may not be able to consciously notice the bias you have in your perspective, but if you question yourself and think carefully about every belief you have, you may be able to reach a point where you see the bias. According to the University of California’s Office of Diversity and Outreach, unconscious bias is classified as “far more prevalent than conscious prejudice and often incompatible with one’s conscious values” (4 Ways to Tackle Racism in Schools, 2020). Unconscious bias could be more challenging to realize and interfere with it than intended racism because you aren’t conscious of the bias you have in your beliefs. By asking yourself questions and answering them, you can eliminate the unconscious bias that may lead to racism.
Second, report to any teachers or adults around you if you witness someone experiencing racism at your school. If you don’t do anything after witnessing racism, you will be part of the racism even if you aren’t the person directly doing it. You are indirectly becoming the reason why racism doesn’t disappear. Ignoring won’t solve the problem. There needs to be one person who is able to report to the teacher who will handle the situation in return. Teachers have the responsibility to provide a safe school environment in which the students can learn comfortably as well. When reporting what you witnessed, be precise in your language and state the facts without being afraid. Also, if you are able to collect trustworthy evidence like video or sound recordings, it will be even more helpful in fighting racism.
Third, stand up against racism if you are facing one or someone else is facing one. Standing up for both yourself and others is important in order to protect the rights of every human being and notify others of the wrong actions they are taking. Racism is never a reason to treat someone harshly. Even though this may take courage, you will definitely feel proud of yourself after you were able to stand up. Showing that you have the courage to stand up for yourself may stop the person from taking racist actions against you.
Fourth, ask the principal or teachers around you to incorporate a lesson about racism in the school curriculum. There is a possibility that the school will hold events for anti-racism and include lessons about racism to educate the students that it’s a wrong thing to do. If the school is unable to provide the anti-racism program to students, you could be the one establishing it! Some options are multicultural clubs discussing different kinds of cultures all across the world, self-awareness events, or projects that inform racism to the school.
Using these ways, you can start to prevent racism within your community. No matter what it takes, it’s important to fight racism wherever you are to protect the rights of all humans. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said: “I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality… I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word“ (Soken-Huberty, 2020).
Resources
4 ways to tackle racism in schools. (2020, August 21). Integrity Coaching. https://www.integritycoaching.co.uk/blog/tackle-racism
Soken-Huberty, E. (2020, September 3). 10 quotes on racial injustice. Human Rights Careers. https://www.humanrightscareers.com/issues/quotes-on-racial-injustice/
wikiHow. (2020, August 24). How to fight racism in your school. https://www.google.com.tw/amp/s/www.wikihow.com/Fight-Racism-in-Your-School%3famp=1
