Racism, in its many forms, has been a persistent issue throughout history. It’s easy to distance ourselves from the idea that we might harbor racist tendencies, especially if we consider ourselves to be open-minded, progressive, or fair.
However, the uncomfortable truth is that a little bit of bias exists within all of us. It doesn’t matter whether you’re Black, white, brown, or any other ethnicity—cultural conditioning, personal experiences, and societal structures have subtly influenced our perceptions of race.
The Roots of Racism
Racism is deeply rooted in human history. It stems from a combination of fear of the unknown, the need for social hierarchy, and the human tendency to group people based on superficial characteristics like skin color. Over centuries, these biases have been ingrained in our societies, leading to institutionalized racism and personal prejudices. While overt racism—like racial slurs or discriminatory laws—may be less socially acceptable today, subtler forms of racism persist. These are often more challenging to recognize but just as harmful.
RELATED STORIES
Recognizing the signs of racism within ourselves is the first step towards combating it. Here are five signs that you may be harboring racist attitudes, along with practical steps to address them.
1. Stereotyping based on race
If you catch yourself making assumptions about someone’s behavior, intelligence, or worth based solely on their race, you’re engaging in racial stereotyping. This might look like assuming a Black person is good at sports, a Latino person is an illegal immigrant, or an Asian person is naturally good at math.
These stereotypes, even if they seem harmless or positive, are damaging because they reduce individuals to one-dimensional caricatures rather than acknowledging them as complex, multifaceted human beings.
What to do about it: Consciously challenge these stereotypes by seeking out information and experiences that counteract them. Diversify your social circle, consume media that portrays people of different races in a nuanced light, and educate yourself on the diverse cultures and experiences within racial groups.
2. Discomfort around people of other races
Feeling uneasy or anxious in the presence of people from different racial backgrounds is another sign of latent racism. This discomfort may manifest as avoiding eye contact, not engaging in conversation, or feeling a need to justify your own behavior. Such feelings often arise from unfamiliarity, but they can also be a result of internalized prejudices.
What to do about it: Exposure is key. Engage more with people from different racial and cultural backgrounds. Start by attending cultural events, joining groups that celebrate diversity, or simply making an effort to learn about and from people who are different from you. Over time, these experiences can reduce your discomfort and help you build genuine connections.
3. Defensiveness when confronted about racism
If your first reaction to discussions about racism is to become defensive—insisting that you’re “colorblind” or that you “don’t see race”—this could be a sign that you’re not fully aware of your own biases. Defensiveness often stems from the fear of being labeled a racist, but it can prevent meaningful reflection and growth.
What to do about it: Instead of becoming defensive, try to listen and understand the perspectives of others, especially those who have experienced racism firsthand. Reflect on the feedback and be open to the idea that, like everyone else, you might have blind spots. Recognizing this is not about self-condemnation but about becoming more aware and making positive changes.
4. Assuming your experience is universal
A common but subtle form of racism is the assumption that your own cultural norms, values, or experiences are universal. This can manifest in statements like “I don’t see why it’s such a big deal” when discussing issues that disproportionately affect people of color. Such attitudes ignore the unique challenges and systemic barriers that others may face.
What to do about it: Cultivate empathy by listening to and amplifying the voices of people of color. Read books, watch films, and follow social media accounts that offer perspectives different from your own. This will help you understand that not everyone’s experiences are the same as yours and that acknowledging these differences is crucial in combating racism.
5. Downplaying racist incidents
If you find yourself downplaying or dismissing incidents of racism—saying things like “they’re just being too sensitive” or “it’s not really about race”—this is a clear sign of a deeper issue. Dismissing the experiences of those who face racism regularly invalidates their reality and perpetuates a culture of silence around the issue.
What to do about it: Practice active listening and validate the experiences of those who encounter racism. Understand that your perspective may be limited and that acknowledging someone else’s pain is a step towards solidarity. Support initiatives and policies that address racism, and speak out against injustice whenever you witness it.
Recognizing these signs within yourself can be uncomfortable, but it’s an essential part of growth. Racism isn’t an inherent trait; it’s a learned behavior that can be unlearned through conscious effort. Start by educating yourself, diversifying your experiences, and engaging in difficult but necessary conversations. Remember, the goal isn’t to be perfect but to be better—to actively participate in the creation of a society where everyone, regardless of race, is treated with dignity and respect.
