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How to Move from Subconscious Racism to Active Allyship for People of Privilege

Ira Cox

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Published in The Intimacy Of Race: How To Move From Subconscious Racism To Active Allyship For People Or Privilege

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The Intimacy of Race: How to Move from Subconscious Racism to Active Allyship for People or Privilege

by Alison Weber

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Language	:	English
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Print length	:	99 pages

Racism is a pervasive and insidious force in our society. It manifests in both overt and covert forms, from blatant discrimination to unconscious bias. Subconscious racism, also known as unconscious bias, is a type of prejudice that operates at an automatic and often unintentional level. It affects our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and can lead to discrimination and inequality.

People of privilege, who have not experienced systemic racism firsthand, often struggle to understand its prevalence and impact. However, it is essential for all of us, regardless of our background, to recognize and address unconscious bias in order to create a more just and equitable society.

Understanding Unconscious Bias

Unconscious bias is a type of bias that operates outside of our conscious awareness. It is not something that we are intentionally ng, but rather a product of our socialization and experiences. Unconscious bias can lead to discriminatory behaviors, even among people who believe themselves to be fair and open-minded.

There are many different types of unconscious bias, but some of the most common include:

Implicit bias: This is a type of unconscious bias that is based on our automatic associations between certain groups of people and certain stereotypes.
Stereotyping: This is a type of unconscious bias that involves attributing certain characteristics to a group of people based on their race, gender, or other group membership.
Microaggressions: These are subtle, often unintentional, acts of discrimination that can have a negative impact on the target person.

Unconscious bias can have a significant impact on our lives. It can affect our hiring decisions, our interactions with people from other cultures, and our overall view of the world.

Moving from Subconscious Racism to Active Allyship

The first step to becoming an ally is to recognize that unconscious bias exists and to understand how it can affect our thoughts and behaviors. Once we are aware of our own biases, we can begin to take steps to counteract them.

There are many things that we can do to move from subconscious racism to active allyship. Some of the most important include:

Educate ourselves: Read books, articles, and watch documentaries about racism and its impact.
Listen to the experiences of people of color: Pay attention to the stories that people of color share about their experiences with racism.
Challenge our own biases: When we catch ourselves making biased assumptions, we need to challenge them and to consider alternative perspectives.
Speak up against racism: When we see or hear racist remarks or behaviors, we need to speak up and to challenge them.
Support anti-racist organizations: There are many organizations working to fight racism and to promote equality. We can support these organizations by donating money, volunteering our time, or spreading the word about their work.

Moving from subconscious racism to active allyship is an ongoing process. It requires us to be constantly aware of our own biases, to challenge our own assumptions, and to speak up against racism in all its forms. However, the rewards of allyship are great. By working together, we can create a more just and equitable world for all.