How to Be an Antiracist

Comprehension

Before engaging in critical analysis of Kendi's ideas, we must first understand what he is saying. Almost all chapters of Kendi's book introduced new terms. Create your own glossary of the terms in each chapter, but use your own words when writing the definitions. Include a section for examples when relevant, and try and use examples from real life that you have observed or read about. For example, for the term ‘cultural racism,’ include an example of cultural racism that you have experienced or learned about in the news.

Praxis

Kendi provides many lessons and ways of thinking that we can adopt in our own lives. This section will provide you with a set of questions for you to reflect upon alone or discuss with others to help you put Kendi’s ideas into practice.

Do you agree with him?

1. Look back at the writing you did before you read the summary of Kendi’s book. In what ways is your original understanding of racism similar or different to Kendi’s? Did he challenge you or change your mind? If so, how?

2. Kendi believes that you can be racist towards White people. What do you make of this? Do you agree?

3. What is your definition of an activist, and how does it differ from Kendi's? Considering yours and his definition, would you call yourself an activist? Why or why not?

Activities

1. What dueling consciousnesses of racism do you experience? For example, a person of color may want to assimilate by lightening their skin or straightening their hair, but will still be proud of their non-white identity. Alternatively, a White person may understand the importance of having equal access to education, but not understand the value of all-Black spaces. How do you think Kendi would explain your dueling consciousness?

2. Kendi defines many kinds of racism, including biological, ethnic, bodily, cultural, behavioral, colorist, anti-White, powerless defense, class, space, gender, and queer racism. Looking at these categories, what are some examples of racist ideas or policies you have held or supported in the past? What made you change your mind?

3. Spend time identifying a set of antiracist policies that organizations in your area are fighting for. If it is antiracist, does it also factor in the other intersections of race, such as race and class, gender, and sexuality?

4. Kendi emphasizes that suasion – the art of changing peoples’ minds – is not enough to be an activist. Activists must protest and organize so that changing racist policy is in the best interest of the power in question. What organizations or actions can you join or take that will work towards this in your local community? 

5. In chapter 17, Kendi articulated his beginnings into his lifelong mission to be antiracist. Where are you on your journey to be antiracist? What do you have left to do to fight for antiracist policies and ideas? Identify antiracist organizations you can give your time and money to.

6. If we think about antiracism as an action continuum, it would look like actively participating in racism, denying and ignoring racism, recognizing racism exists but taking no action, recognizing racism exists and taking antiracist action, supporting and encouraging others to come together and work on antiracism, and initiating and preventing racism from being perpetuated by advocating for antiracist policies. With this in mind, where are you on the action continuum? Where would you like to be? What needs to happen for you to get there?