Racism: 9 Signs of Casual Racism

People are quick to notice overt racism—we share it on social media and read about it in the news—but many of us miss subtle racism, which is often hidden behind a joke, a stereotype, or a decision we make without thinking. Here are 10 signs you may have done something “casually” racist by accident.

1. First, you say, “I’m not racist, but…”

Even if you say “I’m not racist,” before a statement that might be racist, it doesn’t make it less offensive. So the next time you want to start a sentence this way, keep in mind that it’s unlikely that anything good will come next…

2. “I’m not a racist. I have black friends.”

Just because you have friends from a minority group doesn’t mean you can say racist things. What might be okay with your close friends might be rude to someone you don’t know as well.

3. “For an Asian, you speak very well.”

Even though you mean it as a compliment, what you’re really saying is that Asian people (or people of other races) don’t understand English as well as you do. Even though Australia continues to accept new immigrants, many people of Asian background were born or raised here.

4. “Yes, but where are you from really?”

This question is asked out of curiosity, but it also suggests that people who aren’t white or who don’t speak with an Australian accent can’t call Australia home or couldn’t have grown up here. Since Australia is a multicultural country, it’s important to respect everyone’s right to call it home. We think it would be better to ask, “What is your cultural heritage or background?”

5. You get nervous when you’re on an airplane with Muslims or Hindus

Profiling based on race happens every day, and not just by police or airport security. Many ordinary Australians also have biases against people with certain cultural or religious backgrounds. What you may think of as a “harmless stereotype” affects the lives of whole groups of people every day.

6. You don’t see color; all you see is the human race

This kind of “colorblind racism” may have good intentions, but it ignores the history of racism in society, the system of white privilege, and the everyday problems that people still face because of racism. Even if you can ignore skin color, society does not.

7. “Reverse racism” makes you feel angry

What some white people call “reverse racism” makes them angry. They think that policies that are supposed to help minority groups hurt white people. If reverse racism makes you angry and defensive, this video might help you change your mind…

8. “Take a joke” is what you say to someone who is upset

With Australia’s laid-back culture, it’s easy to think that people who are offended are fussy and “can’t take a joke.” Try to see it from their point of view or find out what they’ve been through. Don’t forget that we don’t get to choose who gets upset by our jokes. The intention is less important than what happens.

9. Staying away from someone because of their race, country, or ethnicity

This is the most subtle way to be casually racist, but it can hurt people just as much as calling them racist names. If you don’t talk to someone, they might feel like they don’t belong in Australia.

For More Interesting Facts, Click Here.