Stop Race Based Hate

The problem with most forms of racism in our day-to-day remarks, norms, and habits is how well-meaning many of these statements come across. Although a statement like “your English is actually really good” may seem like a compliment at first glance, and may be intended as a compliment, it is actually a form of linguistic racism. Linguistic racism is the act of discriminating against someone based on their accent or speech patterns. If you have ever treated someone differently than you would your white counterparts because they spoke with an accent, pronounce words differently, or simply look like they are from a non-White ethnic group—you have perpetuated linguistic racism. Complimenting someone on the quality of their English speaking implies that the individual does not fit the commenters perceptions around what it means to be or sound Canadian, ie. being able to speak “good English”. The commenter is also making harmful assumptions about the persons English speaking level or skills based on the person's ethnicity, accent, or where they are from. Although comments like this seem positive, they “communicate and perpetuate negative stereotypical views of a racial/ethnic group." An individual doesn’t fit the offender’s negative stereotypes so the offender complimented them because they were surprised. The offender assumes that the individual has limited English speaking skills based on their negative stereotypical views of the individual’s racial/ethnic group. People of colour and immigrants are not less worthy, valuable, or intelligent based on where they come from or how well they speak English. It is not appropriate to treat someone differently or assume their linguistic proficiency based on their racial identity. Unless the person has explicitly told you they have been working on improving their English, or ask what you think about their English, don't assume that saying someone's English is good is a compliment. Tap the link in our bio to learn more, and see other statements and anti-racist resources. #StopRaceBasedHate #EndRacism #AntiRacist #AntiRacism #AntiRacismResources #yeg #yyc #alberta

Mispronouncing names is a form of implicit discrimination. “It sends a message that you are minimal, you are not important in this environment.” That you're not worth my learning your name. Even if unintentional, mispronouncing names can other someone (make them feel excluded / make them feel like they do not belong). Names are deeply personal, powerful and very basic parts of who we are. Being dismissive, passive aggressive, unwilling to learn or refusing to pronounce a name correctly perpetuates racist attitudes and suggest that a person with an “unusual name” isn't worth very basic levels of respect. Just because a name may seem unfamiliar or unfamiliar-sounding, doesn’t mean it’s any harder to say than any other word with unusual phonetics common in everyday life.  Regardless of whether or not a name is objectively simple, short, and easy to pronounce or the opposite, it is common for people to claim it's too difficult to say if it belongs to a person of colour. Research shows there is racial bias associated with names we deem too difficult to pronounce. In fact, in Western societies, names that are more white-sounding are often favoured in the job application process. Studies show those who “whiten” the names on their resumes were twice as likely to get call-backs for an interview, compared to those who left ethnic details intact. That's just one example of racial bias behind names. Ultimately, our mindset and attitude surrounding peoples names is what’s most important. If you're unsure, ask! There's also no shortage of phonetic resources online to help today. As school is set to begin, teachers especially should take great care in pronouncing their students names correctly—we know name-based teasing and anxiety around mispronounced names, whitewashing of names, is prevalent in school settings. Putting in the effort of correctly pronouncing a name—regardless of that person's race—is the least we can do for them. Tap the link in our bio to find more resources related to this and more statements. #StopRaceBasedHate #EndRacism #AntiRacist #AntiRacism #AntiRacismResources #yeg #yyc #alberta

Actions and words have consequences. It’s not a bad thing to be held accountable, corrected, or called in for the harmful things you say, whether well-intentioned or not. We know better than we did in the past, so we should also do and say better. If you find yourself upset about not being able to say racist statements— whether covert or otherwise—there is a bigger issue at play here. Why would you want to say something rooted in racism? Something that hurts others? The easiest form of racism to identify is often the most overt forms of it. It’s easy to recognize and call out racial slurs and hate speech, but it’s a lot more difficult to address racism that often flies under the radar. This kind of covert racism is often disguised with well meaning and innocent rhetoric. Microaggressions and instances of casual racism may exist in our daily life, but they are no less harmful. When people use microaggressions, casual racism, or harmful statements and phrases, they may believe that since their motives aren’t malicious, they surely cannot be racist. If your reaction to being told you can't say something is, “I guess I just can’t say anything anymore," we invite you to reflect on why not saying harmful phrases is so offensive to you. There are lots of things you can say. Racist statements aren't funny, racism isn’t casual, racism isn’t okay. Ultimately, if the person your comment, joke, or question was directed at is offended by it—that truth should supersede your well-meaning and intentions. We should all work to ensure our language and actions are anti-racist and open to correction when presented with more information. -- StopRaceBasedHate.ca is an anti-racism resource designed to build a more anti-racist community. This volunteer-led, free, online tool provides resources to educate and empower people to speak out against racism by providing words, rationale and further reading to help you respond to racist remarks. It also encourages self-reflection about why some thoughts or statements are racist. Tap the link in our bio to learn more. #StopRaceBasedHate #EndRacism #AntiRacist #AntiRacism #AntiRacismResources #yeg #yyc #alberta

NEW on #StopRaceBasedHate: an Interactive Message Template to help you figure out exactly what you want to say when calling out racism. Think of it like an Anti-Racism version of Mad Libs. We hope this new feature, built by our friends at @kickpointinc , better helps you find the words to speak out against racism. Tap the link in our bio to and check out the Take Action tab to put the tool to use. #StopRaceBasedHate #EndRacism #AntiRacist #AntiRacism #AntiRacismResources #yeg #yyc #alberta

We've been working on adding new statements to #StopRaceBasedHate, along with some new features to help you with anti-racist conversations. Stay tuned to this space, we'll be sharing new and old statements along with ways to respond over the next few weeks! #StopRaceBasedHate #EndRacism #AntiRacist #AntiRacism #AntiRacismResources #yeg #yyc #alberta

March 21 is the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. How do you #StopRaceBasedHate? How are you actively #AntiRacist? What actions have you or will you take to #FightRacism? Below is this year’s International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination message from the @unitednations ’ Secretary General: “The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is both a day of recognition and an urgent call to action. Racism continues to poison institutions, social structures, and everyday life in every society. It continues to be a driver of persistent inequality. No country is immune to intolerance, nor free of hate. Africans and people of African descent, Asians and people of Asian descent, minority communities, Indigenous peoples, migrants, refugees, and so many others – all continue to confront stigmatization, scapegoating, discrimination, and violence. This year’s theme – “Voices for Action against Racism” – calls on us to speak out loudly, listen closely, and act decisively. We all have a responsibility to engage in solidarity with movements for equality and human rights everywhere. We must listen to those experiencing injustice and ensure their concerns and demands are at the centre of efforts to dismantle discriminatory structures. Reparatory justice is also crucial to realize racial equality and atone for the enduring legacy of centuries of enslavement and colonialism. Building a future of justice requires mending an unjust past. Realizing the vision of a world free of racism and racial discrimination demands action every day, at every level, in every society. Let us unite around our common humanity and speak as one for equality, justice and dignity for all.” #StopRaceBasedHate #EndRacism #AntiRacist #AntiRacism #AntiRacismResources #yeg #yyc #alberta #InternationalDayForTheEliminationOfRacialDiscrimination

“In my adulthood, there have been many occasions where I’ve had to come face-to-face with the internalized misogyny and racism deeply rooted within my own mindset. It’s uncomfortable knowing that I personally hold views that can be harmful to IBPOC, but also understandable because I grew up in and was molded by a system and society that favours a white patriarchal narrative. By examining my own biased views, I’ve been able to be a better ally and advocate for anti-racism, but I also have a loooong ways to go. Learning how to be anti-racist starts with unlearning racist narratives.” - co-founder Carmen @foodkarmablog . Over on the News section of #StopRaceBasedHate, find a collection of TV shows, movies, books, podcasts and other resources you can watch, listen to, and read as tangible actions to becoming anti-racist—learning how to be anti-racist by unlearning your own internalized racism (we all have it). This list is by no means exhaustive, but it’s a strong start. As well at the link in our bio, find racist statements, gain an understanding as to why they’re not okay, and help for how you may respond if such statements come up from those in your network. #StopRaceBasedHate #EndRacism #AntiRacist #AntiRacism #AntiRacismResources #yeg #yyc #alberta

“This is racist against white people”—except it isn’t, because reverse racism does not exist in a society built to benefit white people in every social, political and economic way. Reverse racism is a myth because it ignores the power and privilege dynamic between the individual or groups involved. As the Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre @abcivilliberties says: “Reverse racism assumes that racism occurs on a so-called level playing field when in actuality, it does not. White people can certainly experience racial prejudice (e.g. white people can’t dance), but these comments towards white people are not racist statements because racism is defined by the systemic relationship to power. When backed with power, prejudice results in acts of discrimination and oppression against groups or individuals (racist acts), and as we know, in Canada (in North America), white people hold that power. It is whiteness that has the power to define the terms of racialized others’ existence. When a group of people [such as racialized individuals] has little or no power over you institutionally, they don’t get to define the terms of your existence. They can’t limit your opportunities and you needn’t worry much about the use of a slur to describe you and yours, since, in all likelihood, the slur is as far as it’s going to go.” Stereotypes about bad dancing aside, if someone feels defensive or uncomfortable about statements around how white people are privileged, that white people are treated differently by government and law enforcement, that white people need to step up to become vocal anti-racist allies and help change a inequitable system that is set up to disadvantage and even actively harm certain groups, ask them to reflect on that discomfort, begin to unlearn deeply held views, listen to what racialized people are saying, and commit to anti-racist education. Tap the link in our bio to learn more about this and other statements, gain an understanding as to why they’re not okay, and help for how you may respond if this comes up from those in your network. #StopRaceBasedHate #EndRacism #AntiRacist #AntiRacism #AntiRacismResources #yeg #yyc #alberta

We received a message saying we shouldn’t be using “colour names” when talking about communities because it “segregates” them—that referencing colour makes people “feel different and that is not okay.” To be clear, “not seeing colour” is NOT the goal. By saying you don’t see, you don’t want to see, or people shouldn’t see colour, you are denying that a problem even exists. You cannot solve a problem if you don’t acknowledge that there even is one. When people (who believe they aren't racist) say that they don't see colour, they are rejecting the real, lived experiences of MANY who experience racism each and every day. The goal isn't to "not see colour"—People ARE different. People look different. People have different backgrounds. Differences are not the bad thing here. The point is that we are and can be different, we do look different, but these differences should not negatively affect someone’s ability to live, work, play. These differences should not put someone at a disadvantage. These differences should not oppress or harm someone. “I just don’t see colour” is a common statement that allows racism to grow unchecked because at first glance, it seems well-intentioned enough. But "not seeing colour" isn't going to end racism. In fact this idea of “colour blindness” has become a powerful weapon against progress for people of colour. We all see colour and must acknowledge that before we can truly be an ally, or be anti-racist. Instead of saying you don’t see colour, “we are all the same” and being done with it, acknowledge that we are not the same but that those differences should not disadvantage or cause hate and harm, and commit to pursuing further anti-racist education. Tap the link in our bio to explore this and other racist statements, gain an understanding as to why they’re not okay, and help for how you may respond if this comes up from those in your network. #StopRaceBasedHate #EndRacism #AntiRacist #AntiRacism #AntiRacismResources #yeg #yyc #alberta

It’s #RandomActsOfKindnessDay, and while being kind is a wonderful thing to be, a reminder that kindness will not end racism, anti-racism will end racism. You can’t change systemic racism by being nice or polite to racists, or think that treading gently around racism and racists will end racism. If it’s safe to do so, it’s important to call in or out racist behaviour. You can have this dialogue in non-aggressive ways, but “kindness” isn’t the solution for racism. If you’re asking for kindness because you’re being called in or out for demonstrating or supporting racism (the love and unity messaging we keep seeing in particular), if you’re calling others hateful for stating that what you’re doing, saying or supporting is racist, perhaps you need to take the opportunity to self-reflect and consider why you feel defensive. Then turn the focus away from yourself and consider the pain or hurt the other person is trying to convey to you. Those actions are kind. Speaking softly or skirting around racism is not kind and will not help create a more equitable world. Tap the link in our bio to explore this and other racist statements, gain an understanding as to why they’re not okay, and help form how you may respond if this statement comes up from those in your network. Need help with a statement that’s not listed on the site? Submit it via our website suggestion form and our team will work to articulate a response, context, and additional resource / articles for you. #StopRaceBasedHate #EndRacism #AntiRacist #AntiRacism #AntiRacismResources #yeg #yyc #alberta

"People of colour can't be racist"—no, they certainly can be. And just because racists can show they have people of colour within their ranks, does not make the racist any less racist. Being a person of colour does not automatically absolve the person from racism. You can experience racism and be racist at the same time. There are a number of things that can be at play in this case: - Internalized racism (the idea that people of colour develop ideas, beliefs, actions and behaviours that support or collude with racism as a result of being victimized by racism). - Colourism (discrimination based on skin colour disadvantages people with darker skin while privileging those with lighter skin). - Tokenism (the practice of making only a perfunctory or symbolic effort to do a particular thing, especially by recruiting a small number of people from underrepresented groups in order to give the appearance of sexual or racial equality)—we see this as a way for racists to disguise their racism “I have a Black friend, I’m not racist” or “convoy supporters include people of colour, therefore no one within the convoy can be racist.” - Or people of colour may simply be aligning with hateful people as a way to protect themselves from being a target. We see this often in the trades industry—where racist remarks or bullying can go unchecked because others fear that speaking out against it will lead to repercussions. - They may also not realize the racism or racists they’re aligning with. This is just one of the ideas explored on #StopRaceBasedHate—an online, anti-racism education tool designed to help people find the words and confidence to speak out against racism. Tap the link in our bio to learn more about this statement, explore other statements, gain an understanding as to why they’re not okay, and help form how you may respond if this statement comes up from those in your network. #StopRaceBasedHate #EndRacism #AntiRacist #AntiRacism #AntiRacismResources #yeg #yyc #alberta

“Everyone is entitled their opinions”—um sure, but NOT if the opinion is racist. Everyone can and obviously do have different opinions on any range of topics but if the “opinion” actively harms and oppresses others—that’s not just a difference of opinion you can shrug off. We’re not talking pineapple on pizza here. This is just one of the statements explored on #StopRaceBasedHate—an online, anti-racism education tool designed to help people find the words and confidence to speak out against racism. Tap the link in our bio to explore this and other racist statements, gain an understanding as to why they’re not okay, and help form how you may respond if this statement comes up from those in your network. Need help with a statement that’s not listed on the site? Submit it via our website suggestion form and our team will work to articulate a response, context, and additional resource / articles for you. #StopRaceBasedHate #EndRacism #AntiRacist #AntiRacism #AntiRacismResources #yeg #yyc #alberta