How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi

Kendi also points out that everyone can discriminate, but only policies and policymakers can hold racist power. Racism is already systemic, structural, and institutional.

Kendi argues that these words are too vague and that we should instead point to manifestations of racism such as policy. It is important to note that Kendi does not use the words 'systemic', 'structural,' or 'institutional to describe racism. Racial discrimination: The immediate and visible manifestation of racial policy Racist policy: A measure that produces or sustains racial inequityĪntiracist policy: A measure that produces or sustains racial equity to treat everyone equally is to treat everyone differently Racist idea: An idea that suggests one racial group is inferior or superior to another racial groupĪntiracist idea: An idea that suggests groups are equal in all their differences, nothing is right or wrong, superior or inferior Racism: A collection of racist ideas and policies that have normalized racial inequalities Racist: One who is supporting a racist policy through their actions or inaction or expressing a racist ideaĪntiracist: One who is supporting an antiracist policy through their actions or expressing an antiracist idea Below are key terms Kendi defines in the first chapter. Having a shared vocabulary to talk about racism helps us better understand the world and its history. This study guide explores these themes chapter-by-chapter. In Ibram Kendi’s How to be an Antiracist, he articulates what racism is, the many different ways racism manifests, and how antiracists should approach antiracist work.

Things to consider include, but are not limited to : what racism and the opposite of racism are, whether or not racism is a systemic problem (and if so, in what ways), and how one is or is not racist. Before you begin reading the summary of this book, it is recommended that you write down how you currently understand racism.

How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi