Racism is a problem that needs to be addressed. It leads to significant issues with those who are affected by it. Racism can cause individuals to become depressed, angry, sad, or anxious. It can also significantly diminish their quality of life. Educating yourself and others about racism can help you minimize the amount of damage racism can cause.

About Racism

Racism comes in multiple forms and avenues. It is often thought of as abuse or harassment, but it can also include jokes, exclusion, or name-calling on the basis of an individual’s color, ethnicity, or national origin. Many people experience racism and it is not always obvious. Racism can happen anywhere, including in the media, online, in stores, in the workplace, and more. Racism isn’t instinctual; racism is a learned behavior.

Respond to Racism

It is important to take all of the necessary steps to respond to racism when you see it occur. This will help minimize the amount of damage that racism can cause. When you see racism, you should take all of the steps possible to show your support to the individuals experiencing racism.

What Works

The best method to take when you see racism occurring is to say something. If it feels unsafe to say anything, there are other options available to show your support. You can sit or stand next to the victim, as well as check on them and ensure that they are okay. Additionally, if it feels like an unsafe situation, you should notify an authority figure or call the police.

What the Law Says

There are many laws that have been put in place to reduce the prevalence of discrimination. These come from many different laws, but in general, they prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, and more. This discrimination is prohibited across an array of fields, as well. These fields include education, employment, obtaining housing, and many more areas. Racism is a problem, but steps can be taken to help reduce its impact. To learn more about what you can do to help with racism, contact us today.