The American Psychological Associat ion has advocated 10 ver y useful suggestions that parents, educators, and al l concerned cit izens can ut i l ize in deal ing with racism.

10 SUGGESTIONS FOR COMBATING RACISM

1Examine your own prejudices, stereotypes, and values; be willing to explore your own

experiences of being hurt by prejudice; be open to hearing from people of color.

BE HONEST

2Volunteer to work on projects with groups

different from your own. It has been found that working alongside a person of color as an equal

helps to destroy prejudices and stereotypes.

BE A PARTNER

3Be active in introducing your children to

interacting and learning from children of color, before prejudices become solidified. Raise your

children to understand concepts such as prejudice, discrimination, and racism.

BE AN ANTIRACIST PARENT

4Being vocal in opposing racist views and

practices is very important for your son and daughter to witness. Let them see you

interacting, laughing, talking, and enjoying relationships with persons of color.

BE A ROLE MODEL

5Reach out, support victims of discrimination;

be willing to join them in advocating for fair treatment. Speak out when you see

racial discrimination.

BE AN ALLY

6When you see racial injustice, speak out and object.

Be willing to challenge your family, friends, and neighbors when they make racial jokes or slurs or

act in ways that indicate bias. Serve on groups and committees that have a multicultural agenda.

BE AN ACTIVIST

7Join groups and organizations that stand for equality of opportunity, social justice,

antidiscrimination, and antiracism.

BE A MEMBER

8As a coworker, parent, neighbor or teacher, you can teach others to value diversity and multiculturalism.

The Southern Poverty Law Center, for example, can give you examples of what ordinary citizens can do to combat

hatred and bigotry. (Their Teaching Tolerance magazine and website offer many practical ideas and other resources.)

BE A TEACHER

9Educate yourself and others on an ongoing

basis, reading books, seeing movies, and going to hear minority speakers to enlighten, educate, and free us from our bigotry.

BE A STUDENT

10Do not be ashamed of your cultural heritage.

Do recognize both positive and negative aspects of your groups; know your strengths

and limitations. Take an active part in defining your Whiteness in a nonracist manner

and live by these newly found tenets.

BE SECURE

Following these guidelines will enlighten

and increase awareness and comfort in

talking about race issues by educators,

parents, and their students and children.

To learn more about combatting racism in the classroom, at work, and at home,

explore Dr. Wing Sue’s book Race Talk and the Conspiracy of Silence.