20 Things White People Do That They Don't Know Are Racist
Denying Racism Exists: Claiming to be "colorblind" or saying "I don't see race" ignores the realities of racism and invalidates the experiences of people of color.
Stereotyping: Making assumptions about Black people based on stereotypes, such as thinking all Black people are good at sports or have certain musical abilities.
Tokenism: Using one Black person as a representative for all Black people or as proof that you're not racist.
Cultural Appropriation: Adopting elements of Black culture, such as hairstyles, clothing, or slang, without understanding or respecting their significance.
White Savior Complex: Believing that you need to "save" Black people or that your involvement is essential for their success.
Interrupting or Talking Over Black People: Dominating conversations and not giving Black people the space to share their experiences and perspectives.
Dismissing Black Voices: Ignoring or belittling the concerns and experiences of Black people, often with phrases like "You're being too sensitive."
Assuming Criminality: Feeling threatened by Black people in certain situations, such as walking in your neighborhood or shopping in a store.
Microaggressions: Making seemingly innocent comments or questions that actually reinforce negative stereotypes, such as "You speak so well" or "Can I touch your hair?"
Ignoring White Privilege: Failing to acknowledge the systemic advantages you have as a white person and how they impact your interactions with Black people.
Claiming Reverse Racism: Believing that affirmative action or diversity initiatives are unfair to white people, which ignores the historical and systemic disadvantages faced by people of color.
Minimizing Racist Incidents: Suggesting that incidents of racism are isolated or overblown, rather than acknowledging them as part of a broader pattern of systemic inequality.
Assuming Whiteness as the Default: Viewing white culture, norms, and behaviors as the standard, while considering other cultures as "exotic" or "different."
Centering Whiteness: Expecting people of color to conform to white cultural norms and penalizing them socially or professionally when they do not.
Exoticizing People of Color: Treating people of color as fascinating or mysterious based on their ethnicity, such as frequently commenting on their looks or cultural practices.
Performative Allyship: Engaging in actions that appear supportive of racial justice, such as posting on social media, without committing to sustained and meaningful action or change.
Racial Slurs and “Jokes”: Using racial slurs, even in jest, or making “jokes” that rely on racial stereotypes and then dismissing them as harmless fun.
Resisting Diversity Training: Complaining about or avoiding diversity, equity, and inclusion training, seeing it as unnecessary or a waste of time.
Policing Black Expression: Criticizing the way Black people speak, dress, or express themselves, often labeling these expressions as "unprofessional" or "inappropriate."
Assuming Black People Need Help: Assuming that Black people always need guidance or assistance, thereby undermining their agency and capabilities.
Thank you for reading this list.
These are just a few examples of racist behaviors that white people don’t know are racist. After reading this list, take some time to reflect on your behaviors and determine if they are also unconsciously racist.
