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No to racism What can we
GLENN ADAMS
In 2017, 54 percent of the Dutch population stated that there is more discrimination now than there was 20 years ago, as reported by the Social and Cultural Planning Office. What can we do to combat racism?
How not to discriminate?
By Ans Hekkenberg cultural psychologist at the University of Kansas (US) is an expert on racism perception. He provides three tips.
Tip 1 Learn what racism is
‘White people notice racism less quickly because they are not exposed to it. It is not always unwillingness, it is also a lack of information,’ says Adams. ‘Furthermore, different groups experience racism in different ways. White people often see racism as a personal problem: it is a matter of some individuals’ prejudices, ‘a few bad apples’. Minority groups sooner acknowledge that racism is a structural problem. It is not just personal, it concerns unequal treatment that stems from the way in which various institutions in society, for example the education and legal systems, work.’
WESTEND61 / ZELJKO DANGUBIC/HH
Tip 2 Become involved with more diverse social networks
‘We all have implicit prejudices,’ says Adams. ‘For example, many people associate the word ‘professional’ more with white people than with people whose skin is darker. Fortunately, prejudices can be reprogrammed, by searching for a social network with more diversity. Go outside your usual social circles. Look for other cultures. Make friends – not on your terms, but precisely on someone else’s. By having positive experiences, you combat prejudices.’
Tip 3 Read and learn
‘Many people of European descent are only familiar with European and American literature and history-writing. That limits your perspective of the world. By reading more from a non-Western perspective, you get a better idea of how Europe and the United States achieved their prosperity. Schools still often present this as a glorious historical account, but it was accompanied by violence and colonization. Do not pretend it was not. By studying history from a different perspective, you not only understand more about other cultures, but also more about your own position in the world.’
