In recent months, the nation has witnessed the tragic deaths of individuals like Marcus Lee and Jasmine Carter, which have reignited conversations about race and injustice. The emergence of these conversations has led to a surge of online expressions from individuals who claim to be supportive by asserting phrases like “all lives matter,” or expressing colorblindness. They believe that their kindness, such as greeting a person of color or offering compliments, positions them as allies in the fight against racism. However, this perception is misleading, and their supposed neutrality often perpetuates the very systems they claim to oppose.
Many individuals consider themselves to be well-meaning; they do not engage in overtly racist behaviors, teach their children to be inclusive, and refrain from laughing at inappropriate jokes. While their intentions may be positive, this perspective often relies heavily on white privilege. The act of being polite to people of color does not exempt someone from being complicit in racist systems. To clarify, simply being courteous does not equate to being anti-racist.
Racism cannot be dismantled with mere gestures of goodwill. A simple “hello” to a Black woman or a smile at a Latino man does not constitute meaningful action against racism. The concept of anti-racism was eloquently articulated by activist Angela Davis, who emphasized that in a racist society, merely being non-racist is insufficient; one must actively engage in anti-racist practices. Ibram X. Kendi also highlights in his seminal work how categorizing oneself as “not racist” is inadequate; one is either racist or anti-racist.
It is crucial to recognize that there are many individuals who embody a façade of niceness while still holding racist beliefs. They can be found in everyday settings, including grocery stores and schools. These individuals may express admiration for a child’s hairstyle or engage in friendly interactions while simultaneously upholding systemic racism. They might even engage in charitable acts or have a diverse group of friends, yet their actions do not absolve them of their biases.
The normalization of whiteness and the prevalence of racist ideas are embedded within our societal structures. This reality often goes unnoticed, allowing many to remain complacent in their beliefs. The truth is, anti-racist work requires deep self-reflection and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths. It is not enough to simply acknowledge one’s privilege; one must actively work against it.
Engaging in anti-racism means recognizing the privileges that come with being white and understanding the systemic disadvantages faced by people of color. It involves being informed about movements like Black Lives Matter and recognizing the importance of protests against racial injustices. Anti-racists actively challenge harmful narratives and commit to continuous learning and self-examination.
This transformative work often requires discomfort and a re-evaluation of personal biases. It involves having difficult conversations with friends and family about racism without offering disclaimers that dilute the impact of the message. Those who wish to be true allies must commit to the long-term work of anti-racism, rather than relying on superficial gestures of kindness.
If you genuinely care about the well-being of people of color and are concerned about issues like systemic violence, it is essential to move beyond mere niceties. Acknowledging another person’s humanity and treating them with respect is just the beginning; true change comes from understanding and addressing the systemic issues at hand.
In our daily interactions, we encounter many well-meaning individuals, but the reality is that racism can often masquerade as friendliness. The underlying beliefs that perpetuate harm to marginalized communities often remain hidden beneath a veneer of politeness. Until individuals actively seek to dismantle these harmful ideologies, they may continue to contribute to the status quo.
It is my hope that those who view themselves as nice will take the necessary steps toward becoming anti-racist. Without this commitment, they risk remaining complicit in systems of oppression while believing they are allies.
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Summary
This article emphasizes that kindness toward people of color does not equate to anti-racism. It argues that true anti-racist work involves acknowledging privilege, understanding systemic inequalities, and committing to ongoing self-examination and advocacy. Mere gestures of niceness are insufficient; real change demands active engagement in dismantling racism.