Cancelling out racism

Understand what racism is.

Race is commonly used to identify and group people into different categories on the basis of physical characteristics, culture or where they come from.

Racism is violent; it reduces people's life chances, and it is based on hurting someone else.

Agree to take a stand against racism.

We can cancel out racism if we agree not to accept racist behaviour. Work towards creating a space where all cultures and languages are valued equally.

Be aware of racist behaviour.

This includes racist name calling, excluding people from groups, racist graffiti, books with a cultural bias and deliberately using language to exclude people of other cultures.

Find out about the diversity of cultural and linguistic groups.

Read about cultural groups. Meet people from these groups. Find out about the languages and culture of your own family members and be proud of them.

Talk about the issues.

Start talking about racism and cultural diversity with your friends and family. Ask to have it discussed in class.

Dispel myths and stereotypes during these discussions.

Challenge racism.

Don't accept racist opinions – challenge them. If you hear people telling racist jokes, point out that this would hurt other people's feelings.

Refuse to participate in racist activities and question those who do.

Know your rights.

Find out what to do if you feel people are being racist towards you.

Spend time thinking about the things that you do which may be racist and hurt others.

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