Antiracism

Antiracism is an important anti-oppression framework and one we will explore often in this course.

As we are all aware, racism continues to be a problem in education. The OHRC issued an open letter to all public colleges and universities in Ontario that listed and condemned actions and inactions that perpetuate racism – including anti-Black racism.

Anti-Black racism refers to stereotyping and systemic discrimination that is directed at people of African and Caribbean descent, stressing the history and experiences of slavery and colonization as they are reproduced today.

Antiracism is a range of analyses and actions meant to counter the impacts of the social construct of race, such as racial prejudice and systemic oppression. It is considered part of an anti-oppressive approach. Antiracism involves taking intentional action to challenge racist attitudes, behaviours, practices, and policies. Antiracism work can be done at the individual, community, and institutional level.

Antiracism is also a form of pedagogy. Educators can take an antiracist approach in how they engage with learners and by providing culturally responsive and relevant curriculum. This includes examining intersectionality; that is, how race intersects with other facets of identity including gender, class, disability, sexual orientation, etc.

Antiracism also involves interrogating white privilege by challenging contexts created by racist structures. It is important to note that being antiracist is different than being non-racist. As Marlon James says, “Most of us are non-racist. While that leaves us with a clear conscience, it does nothing to help fight injustice in the world.”

There are several principles that inform an antiracist approach. These principles will be returned to throughout the course.

Principles of Antiracism:

• Conceptualize race and racism within a historical and contemporary context.

• Explore various forms of racism and racialization.
• Reflect on power and privilege.
• Understand cultural appropriation.
• Practice challenging racism.
• Design culturally responsive and relevant education.
• Show solidarity.