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Jun 5, 20204 min read

A Guide To Anti-Racism

By Arya Hanumara/ Social Effects Head/ President/ Co-Editor In Chief

(IMAGE SOURCE: CNN)

 

America’s loss of George Floyd has prompted many protests, ranging from social media campaigns to violence-based activities such as the looting and burning of several establishments (although this is more opportunistic). It is important to remember that in times like these, one must foster come to terms with their morals, regardless of exterior influences. Not only has the death of George Floyd resulted in a time of reflection and understanding, but it has also served as evidence towards police brutality, allowing for our nation to mourn the loss of thousands of black voices. The effects of police brutality have reached from thirteen-year-old boys walking alone in their neighborhoods to middle-aged men asphyxiated for the potential of carrying a false check.


An interesting question asked by thousands of Americans is “what can I do to help?” As the unsettling spread of the Coronavirus is still prevalent, it is deemed unsafe by many people to join the vast protests sweeping across our nation.


There is also a large sense of uncertainty around the Black Lives Matter Movement, as even the smallest word on a social media post can cause incredible amounts of controversy. It is our job as Americans to continue speaking out in these times of adversity, rather than backing down due to the simple fears and anxieties of being challenged in your opinion. It is much worse for people to stay silent. As a result of the positive intentions of the general public in America, many people seek complete anti-racism (and to be blameless in the oppression of others). This cannot be achieved easily, however, as it takes discipline, work, and motivation. Here are some steps one can take to jumpstart their path towards achieving a state of complete Anti-Racism.


EDUCATE YOURSELF:


It is actually worse for somebody to physically protest without an understanding of the subject manner rather than to simply repost an Instagram story on their feed. Educating oneself is crucial, as only then, one can achieve an effective role as an activist. There is a lot of unreliable media present in our country, and it is often easy to get caught up in the minute details underlying a cause. Although this may seem harsh, your opinion is rendered irrelevant unless you are in a mindset to learn and research all of the different aspects of what you are fighting for. In the context of the Black Lives Matter Movement, regardless if you are a member of the Black community or not, it is still crucial to do research on the start of the organization, and thoroughly analyze of the events in history leading up to the breaking point, or the point in which the blame is finally reassigned. There is an abundance of resources available for people who are willing to educate themselves about the Black Lives Matter Movement, ranging from books to poetry.




To read this book, you must be ready to forget everything you know about racism and focus on motivating yourself to achieve an education centering around creating a world that is tolerant and accepting.



This ground-breaking book is centered around a letter to Baldwin’s teenage nephew, critiquing the government, and the forms of systemic racism, still prevalent in society today.



This book is structured as a letter addressed to the author’s son. It focuses on the thoughts and emotions running through Coates’s mind upon finding out about the harsh realities of the world, and the meaning of life.


This book is a collection of essays and poems from multiple authors, dissecting the history and effects of racism in America.



This is a collection of poems critiquing poetry's ability to break apart from the idea of shock, while also associating racism with the themes of pain, rage, and vulnerability.


This book focuses on how to get rid of the defensive racism that white individuals are often subject to. It also critiques the idea of white privilege, dissecting topics such as colorism and the inability and fear associated with holding an active discussion about race.


This book will aid all who are struggling to comprehend the need for today’s protests. It is a series of interviews chronicling black interferences with white individuals. It is a bone-chilling set of stories and allows the reader to feel the pain that the characters face daily.


This memoir chronicles the effects of racism and its physical toll on black bodies. It also highlights ideas of abuse, emphasizing the differences in white and black households.


This book dives into our broken criminal justice system and the different treatment that people of color face when incarcerated in comparison to white people.


This book has a comprehensive history of Black advancements in our nation. It emphasizes the actions that white individuals have completed, with their goals of setting back progress in terms of racial justice and equality.


YOUR SIGNATURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND SCREAMS


There are so many ways that people can aid in the Black Lives Matter Movement. Remember that even signing a single petition can make a change. Documents that have shaped our society such as the Declaration of Independence and the Magna Carta are all examples of the voices of individuals reflected in a signature of support. Please go through the following sources.


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