Q&A for How to Tell if You Are a Racist

Approach the problem with a curious and compassionate mind. There may be valid points that this person is trying to make, so stay calm and try to unpack to emotions and reasoning behind it. Keep an open mind and a kind heart, too—you never know what this person may be going through to get to a point of accusing you. If you go into the conversation with curiosity, it gives both of you room to explore, learn, and come to an understanding.

Yes, you can be racist if you are not white. For example, a black person can wrongfully discriminate against other black people, Indians, white people, etc. just as a white person can.

Probably not. You're probably just reacting to their hostility, just like you would to someone of your own race. Now, if you attribute those traits to a race as a whole, something like, "Ugh, here comes another loud, angry [race] person," you might have a problem. Additionally, be aware that we all hold some implicit biases which cause us to stereotype people of different races. The first step to unpacking these biases is knowing that they exist.

Question: Questioning the Holocaust is widely regarded as a form of antisemitism and hate speech. While challenging historical narratives can be part of academic inquiry, questioning the Holocaust often serves to deny the historical reality of the genocide, minimize the suffering of its victims, or promote conspiracy theories. These actions, whether driven by hatred or a susceptibility to extremist propaganda, contribute to the spread of misinformation and discrimination.

Not in most circles. Statements like "My favorite show is about a black man dealing with racism in America," "I am white," or "my friend is Cuban American" are simple facts. There's nothing wrong with stating facts as long as you are kind and considerate at the same time. Some people may get upset by the facts, but those are usually people who prefer to say things like "how dare you call me white" or "I don't see race," which is called "colorblind racism." In general, as long as you are being nice about it, it's okay to speak the truth.

Yes. Racist views are common enough that many people can pick them up. For example, black relatives telling new parents "it's too bad your new baby is so dark-skinned," an East Asian person making fun of a Latinx person's accent, or a Latinx person mocking an East Asian person for having "slanty eyes" would all be examples of racism. Anyone can have racist views... and anyone can learn to let them go and be a better person for it.

Yes, though strictly speaking that would be probably be categorized as xenophobia or religious discrimination. "Muslim" is not a race.

Being overly nice or treating people differently based on their race, especially if it feels inauthentic, can sometimes be perceived as a microaggression or as stemming from unconscious bias. This is because it can highlight someone's "otherness" rather than treating them equally.

Yes. Terrorists come in many shapes and sizes. Describing anyone as "terrorist-looking" is stereotyping. More important, those "terrorist-looking people" are as likely to be upstanding members of your community as you are! Talk to them. Be open to discussion.

Racism is exerting power in a way that denies opportunity and equality to a group of people, and in severe cases, leads to the extermination of people.

No, not necessarily. Your friendships are a personal choice, but racism involves prejudice or discrimination based on race. If you are actively avoiding friendships with people of a specific race *because* of their race, that could indicate a racial bias.

He might have had a bad experience. Maybe ask him a little more about it, and then gently explain to him that not all black people are "like that." The thing is, you can try to educate people, but ultimately you cannot make anyone stop being racist. Sometimes with relatives it's better to just let it go so you don't destroy your relationship with that person, especially when it's a parent. You know that you're right and he's wrong, sometimes that just has to be enough.

Not necessarily. You're a person who made a racist mistake. You also felt bad and apologized, and I'm guessing you don't intend to do it again. One mistake doesn't define you, especially since you did your best to fix it. Don't think of yourself as a bad person; instead, spend some time thinking about why you made the joke so that you can avoid similar mistakes in the future. Then, forgive yourself - everyone says foolish and hurtful things sometimes.

You are not racist for denying the Holocaust, but you are incorrect. The Holocaust is a well-documented historical event, and denying it is deeply offensive to survivors and their relatives.

It's not racist to notice racial injustice, and no one is saying private schools are racist. This item is listed in the "Changing Your Views" section; the items in that section are not examples of racism, but guidelines for better thinking. The private school example was just an example of a situation where you might notice racial injustice. Many other examples could have been used, like a company where almost all of the employees are white.

Yes, the belief that one race is superior to others is a core component of racist ideology.

When friends act racist, respond by expressing your discomfort directly, perhaps with "Stop" or "That's not funny," and then change the subject. If they persist, clearly state that you do not want to be around them if they continue making racist remarks. Should the behavior continue after these interventions, consider distancing yourself and seeking friends who align with your values.

They aren't, because generalizations are abstract and, thusly, flawed.

Workplace racism is wrong, and your boss's behavior is unacceptable. The next time if happens, try giving a gentle and firm clue that this is inappropriate, like taking a deep breath and saying "Please stop" or "You're bothering me. It's not funny." Your boss will likely be embarrassed and not do it again. If it does, keep a log of times it happens and show it to HR. Consider looking around for a better job, too, if this continues. Nobody should have to put up with racism at work.

It can be difficult to know whether or not people are truly racist. Do they often make insults/negative remarks about those of other races? Racist jokes? If they do, then they are likely to be racist; however, some may be privately racist and not actually express their internal beliefs about race.

It may be that you were raised to be racist by your family, or influenced by society to be that way, so in a sense, it might not necessarily be your fault. However, you obviously know that racism is wrong, so if you act on your racist beliefs, and/or if you fail to make any effort to change, then yes, you are a bad person.

Judging individuals or making assumptions about their character or behavior based on racial stereotypes is considered racist. The belief that any racial group is inherently more prone to criminal activity is a harmful stereotype, not factual 'knowledge.' To combat prejudice, strive to see each person as an individual and get to know them beyond any preconceived notions.

Liking a political figure does not inherently make you a racist. Whether you are racist depends on your personal views on race and whether you endorse or actively support any statements or actions widely identified as discriminatory or racist. You can admire certain aspects of an individual while still disagreeing with their specific views or behaviors.

Take a stand, and tell someone that it is wrong to be racist. Make them aware of their unacceptable behavior.

While such a desire is understandable, as racism is extremely hurtful and unjust, in all honesty, hating someone isn't going to do anything for you. Nor is it going to make the racist person any less racist. Instead, as hard as it is, just try your best to ignore them, as you know in your heart that what they're saying is not true, and try not to let them bring you down.

Yes, if English was the more required language if you were growing up in an English speaking country, then it would have been okay. Raising children bilingual can mean they are slower to pick up both languages.

Yes, you are discriminating against people solely based on their race. This is the very definition of racism.

If it's all black men, then yes, that is racist. If it is only one black man, then if you don't want her to date him because of his skin color, then yes, that is racist. If it's for some other reason, such as his personality, activities or behavior, then that is not necessarily racist.

If they are just hypothetical thoughts, and you don't believe them, then there is nothing inherently wrong with that. But if you believe the racist thoughts, then it is racist. You can check out How to Stop Being Racist if you need help with not being racist.

You don't necessarily have to do something on a daily basis, you just need to be aware of what you are doing. You can read How to Stop Being Racist to help make sure that you don't accidentally say or do something racist.