For many, this year has been an eye-opener for regular people just trying to do their best.
If that sentence didn't rub you the wrong way, there is a high probability that you are white. The terms "regular" and "normal" are often synonymous with white people, and they don't bat an eye when it is written or spoken. However, for many people who do not fall into that category, it is difficult to start or have conversations about race and inclusivity when you start the interaction on the outside. To compound the minefield of conversations around race, doing it online can be downright terrifying. It is my hope that this list of "do's" can help equip you to traverse these online discussions with more care and attention.
In order to be anti-racist in a digital age, one must actively work to create anti-racist policies, spaces and conversations. It is imperative to view all racial groups as equals and intentionally promote equity.
Do's:
1. Choose your words with care.
Taking the time to choose your words carefully can go a long way in any conversation. Specifically, online conversations can get off to a poor start when the language is off-putting, insensitive or just plain ignorant. For example, "you people," "tone-deaf" or "all" statements often showcase your understanding of diversity and intersectionality. Instead of choosing defence when select words of yours are called out, it is best to take a deep breath and attempt to learn where your text caused harm. Then jump back in there with a new understanding and confidence with the intention of creating equitable spaces for everyone.
2. Share awareness, not memes.
"Be mindful of the content you share on your social media platforms and recognize if you are only making a performative action. Taking selfies at a protest you attended and sharing memes that you are an "ally" may not be as impactful as other methods. Instead, help amplify marginalized people's voices, promote Black, Indigenous, People of Colour owned businesses, and help spread anti-racist information." – Chelsea Gouchey, #MakeItAwkward & Be The Change Admin
3. Find your lane (and stay in it)
Being anti-racist does not mean speaking for or on behalf of individuals who you are trying to elevate. Understand that the voices of those most affected should be at the forefront of the conversation and your opinion needs to take a backseat in many instances. By all means, stand up for the marginalized many when they are not present and make room when they are.
This short list is by no means an all-encompassing guide to online activism. However, it is a place to start and a place to adjust your sights on becoming anti-racist. As we, collectively, learn and grow, it is important to understand that there are many ways of being an ally or an activist. As long as you do your homework and are dedicated to a constant re-education, be confident that you are making a difference regardless how difficult it may feel. If I had to give any white person a piece of advice while trying to work as an anti-racist, it would be this: don’t say you are not racist, because you probably are. It is not your fault, the system made you do it, but at some point you have to be on board with dismantling it, little by little.
Jesse Lipscombe grew up in St. Albert and is an activist and cofounder of MakeItAwkward, which encourages people not to shy away from difficult conversations around race and inclusivity.
