Racism can be a big problem in schools. As a student, you may have to deal with people who make hurtful remarks about your race or friends. Statements like that still hurt even though they weren't true. However, you can go beyond simply accepting such statements as part of your life. By standing up for yourself and sticking with people, you can make a difference in your school.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Responding to Racial Statements
Step 1. Self-defense
Don't be afraid to stand up for yourself (or stand up for friends, even strangers) when you see someone being bullied for racism. Harassment based on racism sometimes persists because the bullied sees the person being bullied not defending themselves or voicing their feelings. Stop the cycle and say something!
- You don't have to be evil. Just show that you're not going to let anyone carelessly make that statement. You can say, "Why do you say that?" Or, "That's really bad."
- If the person being bullied sees you defending yourself, you may inspire them to stand up for themselves too.
Step 2. Fight back with knowledge
When someone says something racist to you, refute them and make sure they understand you. Responding to his statements with knowledge can make you feel strong. Knowledge can also be a weapon against his statements. If someone says something racist, respond with events, facts, or statistics that help you educate people who may not be aware that such statements affect other people's feelings.
- Some statements were made out of indifference. Even so, words can still hurt someone's feelings. You can say, "When you insult native people, you are like saying that they are inferior to you."
- You could also respond with, "When you say Asians are better at math, you're creating a stereotype for a group of people and that's not fair to them."
Step 3. Respond with humor
While you don't really like racist statements, you should also approach the problem in a more lighthearted, but straightforward manner. Humor is a great way to casually communicate something, but still conveys that the statement is inappropriate.
If someone makes fun of your regional accent, say, "Hey, how was your grade in your local language class?"
Step 4. Deal with the microaggression
Microaggression is a small, but significant act of discrimination that can profoundly affect how people feel. While microaggressions aren't as flashy as screams from across the hall, their effects can be just as painful. Be aware when you and a friend engage in race-related microaggression and make sure you stand up for yourself. Often times, microaggressions are not meant to hurt, but they are harmful nonetheless.
- Microaggression can be as simple as not wanting to touch someone of a different race.
- If you see someone frowning at the sight of someone from a different race, say, “Why is that? Just because he's of a different race doesn't mean he's not human, right?”
- If you ask someone, where does that person “really” come from, that is a form of microaggression. If you're curious about someone's family tree, say, "I'm curious about your cultural and ancestral lineage."
Part 2 of 3: Creating a Safe Atmosphere at School
Step 1. Report a violation
If you experience an act based on prejudice, racism, or discrimination, make a written report and report it to the appropriate authorities (such as a teacher, principal or lecturer, or even the police). That's an important way to ensure that such actions don't happen in secret, instead people find out and act on them. You must show others that such behavior is unkind and does not deserve to be tolerated.
Step 2. Join (or form) an organization with members from different races
Chances are you weren't the only person at school who felt alienated because of your race. You may be the only Batak in school, but there may be others who don't belong to the majority like Papuans. Form a club or group for people from different races at school. Bring together people who feel different (and those who are willing to actively support inclusion and diversity) by teaming up with people who may have had similar experiences in similar contexts, and you can begin to form an identity within the group.
You can discuss how other people's misunderstandings affect your life, how you've both experienced racism, and how you've responded to it
Step 3. Ask your school to teach racism
Teaching racism in schools is important so that all students can learn about racism, its hurtful effects, and ways to not tolerate it. Ask teachers or even principals to incorporate racism into the curriculum. There are many books and lesson plans that deal with racism.
You can also ask the teacher to provide books with various themes
Step 4. Celebrate the multicultural history of the school
Ask your school to celebrate the history of other cultures at the school. Everyone already knows the 7 Monthly Thanksgiving that is celebrated by the Javanese people, but not many know about the Sipaha Sada ritual which is the new year of the Parmalim People in North Sumatra, or even the Qingming (Ceng Beng) festival that the Chinese do to honor their ancestors. Celebrating other national or tribal holidays while learning about their history, culture and customs can be fun.
You also have to be aware of disasters so that you have insight and don't repeat the same historical mistakes as, for example, the May 1998 riots. You have to remember such calamities and the people who felt the impact and died in the disaster
Step 5. Ask the school to issue a statement regarding inclusion and a zero-tolerance policy
If your school does not include either of these in its code of conduct or policies, urge teachers and administrators to implement the policy at the school. Schools should have clear guidelines regarding the race and treatment of people in the school environment.
- Inclusion can mean all students have access to education and receive support, and all parties in the school feel safe from marginalization and harassment.
- A zero-tolerance policy typically includes bans on guns and narcotics, but can also cover behaviors such as racist statements and hate crimes related to race. Schools can implement a more active zero-tolerance policy with harsher penalties through agreements in collaboration with juvenile detention centers or juvenile justice.
Part 3 of 3: Acting in School with Friends
Step 1. Discuss race
For some reason, racism doesn't disappear simply by avoiding discussion about it. Yes, it may feel uncomfortable, but get your friends and classmates together and openly discuss racism and its impact on your school. When you talk about racism, you are actually helping people to have a better understanding and tolerance.
Put up signage around the school and voice group discussions one afternoon after school. Encourage people to talk about their experiences, fears, biases, and stereotypes. Create a safe and comfortable environment so that any questions can be asked
Step 2. Be an ally
You may have friends who are from a different ethnic group and are upset when you see them being treated unfairly. “But, I'm from the majority group. What can i do? You can be an ally. Use your position as someone from the majority to reach out to those who lack knowledge or choose to make hurtful statements. Being an ally means you use your position to help others.
If someone says something to your friend, defend your friend right away and say, “Don't say that. It's racist."
Step 3. Make international friends
You can start a club at your school that supports students to make friends with students from other countries. More and more schools are now participating in such programs. Ask your teacher or principal to help you communicate with students from other countries.
Learning from other students your age about their lives, activities for fun, and where they live can be fun. While there are things that are indeed different, there are many things that are similar
Step 4. Educate yourself
Immerse yourself in everything that celebrates cultural diversity. Often racism is rooted in misunderstandings or an unwillingness to learn. So, read a book about Kwanzaa, Ramadan, or Chinese New Year. Read books and watch movies about children living in different countries. Are there any new children at school from Aceh? Approach and talk to him. Ask him questions about his culture and how it differs from yours. Meet as many people from as many places as you can.
Even if someone's traditions differ from yours, you must respect them. If someone is telling you about their culture, avoid saying, "Uhhh!" or, "That's really weird." Remind yourself that the culture is different and that's okay
Tips
- There is a difference between complaining and stopping a bully.
- Don't ignore a statement. Take action and tell an adult you trust.
