Ibram X. Kendi defines what it means to be an antiracist - 2020 - P. Macmillan

How to be an antiracist?

In his book "How to Be an Antiracist," Ibram X. Kendi provides his own definitions of racism and antiracism. He argues that a racist is someone who supports racist policies or expresses racist ideas through their actions or inaction. On the other hand, an antiracist is someone who supports antiracist policies or expresses antiracist ideas through their actions or words.

Kendi emphasizes the importance of defining these terms to establish a clear understanding of the principles and goals we strive for. He defines racism as the combination of racist policies and racist ideas that perpetuate and normalize racial inequities. Racist policies refer to measures that create or sustain racial disparities, while antiracist policies are those that promote racial equity among different racial groups.

Kendi also highlights the concept of racial inequity, which occurs when racial groups are not on equal footing. Racial equity, on the other hand, is achieved when all racial groups have relatively equal opportunities and resources.

The author argues against the use of terms like "institutional racism" or "structural racism," favoring the term "racist policy" as a more tangible and direct way to address the problem. He believes that focusing on "racial discrimination" alone overlooks the central agents of racism: the policies and policymakers that perpetuate racial inequities.

Furthermore, Kendi distinguishes between racist and antiracist ideas. Racist ideas suggest the superiority or inferiority of one racial group compared to others, thereby attributing racial inequities to inherent characteristics. In contrast, antiracist ideas promote the belief that racial groups are equal in their differences and that racist policies are responsible for perpetuating racial disparities.

According to Kendi, understanding the differences between racist and antiracist policies, as well as racist and antiracist ideas, enables us to navigate and comprehend the racialized world. He points out that racism extends beyond individual actions and permeates various aspects of society, including climate change policies, healthcare disparities, and voting rights.

In summary, Kendi's definition of being antiracist involves actively supporting and promoting antiracist policies and ideas while recognizing the impact of racist policies and ideas on perpetuating racial inequities. He emphasizes the need for self-awareness, self-criticism, and self-examination to strive towards being antiracist.