Anti-Blackness in the South Asian Community
I would never consider myself a racist.
But I understand that I have anti-black bias and prejudice that allow my actions, thoughts and inaction to be clouded by racist ideas and a belief in racial difference.
I don’t remember where this bias came from, but before I knew it, it manifested itself in my everyday interactions, language and speech.
It appeared when my family drove through predominantly black neighborhoods, or when I entered a subway car with only black people.
My response was an added layer of stress and then a feeling of guilt and shame about that stress. Over and over again.
It appeared when I would hear comments from family members or friends like:
“Blacks are all poor.”
“I hope you are not dating a black person.”
My response was silence.
It appeared when my family would lament at how I kept getting darker or considered themselves superior to darker-skinned Indians.
My response was a deep need to keep my skin light and not go out in the sun (to not be darker-skinned).
Over conversations with many South Asian friends and peers, I know I am not alone in these interactions and experiences. I have been committed for years on the difficult process of abolishing anti-blackness within my life and my immediate community. Here are some steps I have taken:
Recognizing my bias: This was a difficult step for me. No one likes to admit that they are wrong or that their internalized beliefs are wrong. So many of our beliefs, actions and thoughts are influenced by how we are socialized through family, friends, education, community, religion, history, language and so much more. The first step is to recognize the bias that you hold. Look at your actions, beliefs, values, conversations and find instances of bias. Hold yourself accountable to eliminating bias in your personal actions.
To my fellow South Asians, take a look at how religion, casteism and imperialism influences our thoughts, beliefs and actions on race and color.
Educating myself: I’m not an expert on racism and systemic injustice. I’ve found many books, articles, videos, documentaries and movies to learn more about these issues. Education offers you the chance to learn from experts and leaders in this field and offer factual information on what is happening to others.
Having Difficult Conversations: This is an ongoing step for me. I’ve started to take the first steps to discussing racism, anti-blackness, and colorism with my family. I’ve shared some of my resources and learnings and will continue to discuss why defunding the police is the only option and how they can support it. These conversations are frustrating, challenging and progress slowly. But that progress is growth and I am celebrating them as small wins.
Taking Action: In addition to pledging to have difficult conversations with my family and community. I have been donating my time to volunteer with clean-up efforts and donating to organizations. In addition, I plan to contact my local politicians to make policy actions that make real change both in my city and in the organizations I participate in.
These are just a few steps toward major change. I am hopeful that this time, we will see lasting change.
For anyone reading this, my call-to-action is simple. Follow the steps to removing anti-blackness from your life (it doesn’t have to be the steps I outlined but they can be a good start). Take a stand and educate your families, peers and communities. Educate yourself on these systems and potential reforms. Donate if you can. Become civically engaged (Vote. Fill out the Census.). Be an active ally.
by Kartik Ramkumar (IG @kartikramkumar)