Because of my work in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), people continue to ask me how they will know if they are racist. They worry that they are and that they can’t do anything about it.
The bad news is that we are all a little bit racist, at least in our thinking. The good news is that we don’t have to act on our thoughts, and we don’t act on most of them.
You might notice that whenever I use the words racist or racism in relationship to people, I include an asterisk. I do this to note that people are not racist to the core. Our behaviors can sometimes be racist, but we are a lot more than that. Most importantly, we are capable of self-control, self-reflection, and change–at any age. So, if you are worried that your racist thoughts might turn into racist actions, you’re in luck. You are not destined to do such harm. You can challenge your thoughts, change racist brain patterns, and grow into a person you can be proud of. In the workplace, you can be part of a team of innovators and leaders preparing us for a future of extraordinary accomplishments.
Start with Self-Exploration
Many of us are afraid to admit that we are biased. That’s like claiming we’re not human. All of us have biases, and some of them are hidden from us. We just respond to them without challenging them. These implicit biases can sometimes keep us safe from harm, but they can also sometimes harm others. Our brains play tricks on us. That’s why we go looking for our own implicit biases and put controls in place to avoid acting on them unfairly.
You’re not a terrible person because you have these biases. You’re just a flawed human being like everyone else.
- Forgive yourself
- Separate behavior from people
- Create a better future with new actions
Halt Your Racist Thoughts
It’s uncomfortable to admit–even to yourself–that you have racist thoughts. You do. I do, too. Some people would even tell me I am justified in having them because I’ve been victimized by people of other races. Yet I’ve also been victimized by people who look like me. I suspect you’ve had similar experiences. Most of us have.
- Again, forgive yourself for your thoughts
- Challenge your inequitable responses, especially when they’re based on race
- Create a new habit of interacting with people of other races
Break the Bad Habit
In the book Atomic Habits, James Clear reminds readers that our habits grow out of our identity, or who we want to be–as individuals, employers, etc.?
Here are some things to consider:
- What race do you identify as?
- What race do others identify you as?
- Is this good, bad, or better than other races?
Spoiler alert. If you’re white and you think that’s better than another race, that’s where white supremacy begins. Halt those thoughts and challenge them. Even better? Take an action to lift someone up from a marginalized race. Recommend a minority colleague for a prized opportunity. Patronize a minority-owned business. Apologize to someone you might have judged unfairly because of race.
Struggling to manage your diverse workforce?
Frequently Asked Questions About Racism in the United States