EXISTENCE OF RACE

Existence of Race

Existence of Race

Introduction

Theories and policies based on a multicultural approach acknowledge the existence of racism. In contrast to antiracists, multiculturalists identify the central problem of racism as individual attitudes and beliefs. For multiculturalists, when racism occurs, it is because one or more individuals hold prejudicial attitudes, which are most often based on a lack of knowledge. For example, a high school science teacher may be unaware of the contributions of racial minorities to science and may misrepresent or under-represent racial minority contributions to science. For those who support multiculturalism, this problem exists because of ignorance on the part of the teacher and is best addressed through education. In this framework, the barriers to racial equity are located in individuals and not in systems. In fact, for multiculturalists, it is problematic to understand racism as systemic or institutional, as this unfairly and inappropriately critiques laws and policies when the problem lies with individuals themselves.

Discussion

Three theoretical ideas are central to the practice of antiracism. These include the necessity of attention to power, an intersectional and non-essentialist approach to race and other cultural differences, and a focus on social change. Many theorists also stress that the work of antiracism rests on the effective integration of theory and practice. Antiracism advocates are interested in racial justice. To move from systemic racism to racial equity requires not only theoretical contributions but also changed behaviors and policies. Further, it is important to note that theorists and activists contribute to antiracism. Theoretical and activist antiracist work occurs in and outside of the academy.

Related to power, antiracists often claim that prejudice + power = racism. This equation points out that racism is based on the existence of prejudicial beliefs and the ability to act on those beliefs, or to discriminate. To respond to the existence of racial difference in ways that result in political, economic, or social exclusion or exploitation based on one's race requires access to institutional power. When individuals who are prejudiced can draw on institutional and ideological power in ways that disadvantage racial minorities, racism can occur. For example, an individual teacher might hold racially prejudicial or stereotypical beliefs. When that teacher has the power to use textbooks or require students to take standardized tests that disadvantage racial minorities, this can result in discriminatory acts that have broad consequences. It is also useful to point out that institutional racism, such as racially ...