How to really be anti-racist: Just be real with yourself (20)

The only genuine way to be anti- racist in my opinion is by being real, with yourself and those around you about how you feel; be it for better or for worst being honest on what your feelings are about certain things, set your boundaries and always BE JUST AS RESPECTFUL OF OTHERS AS YOU'D WANT THEM TO BE OF YOU AND YOUR FEELINGS. I feel like this class has via open discussion and readings has revealed to me some very intimate things to me about myself, and the way I feel about certain thing and why I feel that way. Some things upset me more then others, other things I'm for some things, I am against others, believe it or not there are even things I feel I may be neutral on. I think the best things about this class is just the fact that we get the opportunity to; just learn, do some self discovery and see things from a different perspective. This class has given me a opportunity to be real about racism, confront some of my fears, anxieties, anger and hopes for the state of racial relations in America and thoughout the world. This class allowed me to honestly talk to people about my experiences and for me to also hear some of theirs. To learn something new. I'm grateful for this opportunity and I believe that if more people had these same real discussions which allowed for them to have self discovery while also learning about racist and discrimination too, that things can and will get better. First comes knowledge of the issues, then understanding, then tolerance which leads us to peace. Its not so unrealistic but the common theme I learned from this classconcerning racism is that fear and sometimes anger are whats being masked by hatred. Everyone on all sides are scared, scared to speak up about it, angry for remaining silent about it; and resentful about things being the way they are. Then starts hatered. I really believe that being anti-racist starts with: 1. Not being ignorant of the issue of racism and discrimination (like Boston legal episode talk about it, start that conversation when its appropriate even if everyone doesn't agree with you.) 2. Be honest with yourself about your feelings concerning issues of race. ( ex: Yes I'm against affirmative action because.....) 3. Always try your very best to be respectful of other peoples feeling s and beliefs. (they feel a strongly about their beliefs as you do yours. Take them serious.) 4. Say what you need to say. (You see something say something) Stand by what you say/ believe and feel. (you may not be justified but your still have that right.) Set your boundaries. (Nobody likes a closet racist, don't be a coward.) 5. The more you learn about these issues, The more you learn about yourself and the more you grow as a person. (be willing to learn about these issues, take the opportunity; discuss it with friends family and peers.)