Take a deep breath in and ask yourself, why is racism still a problem in the 21st century? Despite all the advancements in technology, medicine, and human rights, why is it that we’re still fighting this age-old battle? It’s a disturbing reality, but one that cannot be ignored.

Racism is the elephant in the room that we all try to ignore or deny. We like to think of ourselves as open-minded and accepting human beings, but the truth is that we all have some level of prejudice. Whether it’s a fleeting thought or an internalized belief, racism exists in all of us.Even if we don’t want to admit it, we all have been racist at some point in our lives, whether intentionally or unintentionally. It’s a hard pill to swallow, but the first step towards becoming anti racist is accepting this reality. However, it’s not something we consciously choose to feel or act upon.

Racism comes in many forms. It’s not just overtly hateful actions or words, but also subtle micro- aggressions like stereotyping or assuming someone’s abilities based on their race. These biases are ingrained in our societal and cultural norms, so much so, that we fail to recognize them as problematic.

Why do we feel racist?

There could be several reasons – maybe we’re scared of the unknown and different, maybe we’ve been conditioned to think a certain way about people from certain backgrounds, maybe we lack exposure to different cultures and perspectives. Whatever the reason may be, it’s important to acknowledge our biases and work on overcoming them.

Moreover, people often tend to shy away from acknowledging their own racism, or the prejudices in their thoughts, as it’s considered socially unacceptable behavior. This is because no one wants to be labeled as a bigot or to be outed as someone harboring racist opinions.

However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that racism exists in all of us. Hidden biases, preconceived notions, and stereotypes often creep into our psyches unconsciously. It is only by being aware of these beliefs that we can start to undo the harmful impacts of our racial prejudices.

So, what is the solution…. ?

The idea that a person can “cure” racism is a fictitious concept. Even if you do the right things and say the right things, the norms and values of society can contribute to creating or encouraging racist behavior. Instead, the approach we need to adopt is a continuous and active process of self-reflection, education and activism.

But the real question is, what can we do to become anti racist and make a difference? It’s not enough to just talk about the problem; we need to take action and create real change.

We need to start dismantling the social norms and cultural values that contribute to racist beliefs. We need to accept that racism is not something that can be cured overnight, but a lifelong journey. Be mindful of our thoughts and actions, question our assumptions, challenge stereotypes, and educate ourselves about different cultures and perspectives.

We need to promote diversity and inclusiveness in our lives, both at work and home. By supporting marginalized communities, raising voices of the underrepresented and lending a helping hand, we can contribute to creating a more equitable and just society.

It’s essential to understand that we can change our thinking and become anti racist. It’s never too late to unlearn our toxic beliefs and work towards creating a more inclusive society.

Here are some practical ways we can do that:

1. Build cross-cultural relationships:

The best way to overcome our biases is to interact and build relationships with people from different backgrounds. We can learn from each other’s experiences and cultures, and celebrate our differences.

2. Educate ourselves:

We can read books, watch documentaries, and attend workshops that discuss racism and discrimination. This will help us understand the impact of discrimination and how we can work towards change.

3. Speak up:

We need to speak up against racism whenever we see it. We can challenge our friends and family members when they make discriminatory remarks and create a safe and inclusive environment.

4. Vote for change:

We need to vote for leaders and policies that are against racism and promote diversity and inclusion.

5. Embrace discomfort:

Overcoming our biases can be uncomfortable and challenging, but it’s necessary for growth. We need to be open to learning, making mistakes, and challenging our beliefs.

Becoming anti racist is not an overnight process, but it’s a journey worth taking. By working together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable society where everyone is accepted and respected, regardless of their race or ethnicity.

As someone who has realized their own racist tendencies, my goal in writing this blog is to create awareness and inspire others to become anti racist. It’s a long journey, but every step counts. I hope that my blog can impact at least one person and create a ripple effect of change. Together, we can build a better world, one step at a time.

Let’s start by taking that first step, and who knows, we might just inspire others to join us on the journey towards becoming anti racist.