Racism poisons the atmosphere of trust we need in order to live in peace and harmony. Racistjokes and racial discrimination leave their victims feeling helpless and fearful. Racial discrimination also has a negative impact on worker productivity and economic performance. In contrast, a greater acceptance of our social diversity contributes to social harmony and economic well-being.
You can combat racism in the following ways:
· Take part in activities marking the International Day
for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination every March 21.
· Join organizations dealing with issues of racism and
human rights.
· Suggest that your local newspaper publish a special section
on the racial and cultural diversity of your community.
· Create a speaker's bureau of persons willing to speak
about racism and human rights.
· Explore ways in which community organizations can work
together to promote positive race relations.
· Suggest that your community develop a policy statement
against all forms of racial discrimination.
In schools:
· Object to racist jokes and insults.
· Organize an inter-cultural music or film festival.
· Invite guest to speak on racism and human rights.
· Organize a poster or essay contest.
· Show films on prejudice, stereotyping, discrimination
and racism.
· Examine the contents of television, film, radio and newspapers
for stereotypes. Identify and discuss the stereotypes.
· Find out about human rights organizations in your area
and what role they play.
· Suggest that your class or school develop a policy statement
against all forms of racial discrimination.
In the workplace:
· Object to racist jokes and insults.
· Encourage dialogue on racism and human rights.
· Organize a lunch time film series.
· Encourage human rights awareness at union meetings through
guest speakers, films or other presentations.
· Examine hiring practices to ensure equality of opportunity
for all.
· Develop clear policy statements against all forms of
racial discrimination and define ways to make them work through
cooperation and consensus.
There are many organizations that work collaboratively with community groups and law enforcement agencies in addressing prejudice, bigotry and hate-motivated violence in schools. Education, awareness and training present excellent opportunities to eradicate hate from within our schools and communities. The following organizations offer training, speakers and programming for teachers, administrators, students, and parents.
Advocacy and Victim Assistance
The following organizations provide support, advocacy, and referral services for victims of harassment, violence and hate crimes. In addition, these advocacy organizations track hate crime data and work in collaboration with schools, communities and law enforcement agencies in violence and hate prevention training.
The Anti-Defamation League takes incident reports on all hate crimes, providing referrals to resources and offering more expanded services in some cases. ADL predominantly serves the Jewish community, but includes all people in its mission to provide assistance to victims of hate-violence.
Anti-Defamation League
126 High Street
Boston, MA 02110
617-457-8800
The City Schools Program
The United States Department of Justice Community Relations Service is a special conciliation service that assists school districts to manage and prevent school racial and ethnic conflicts and disruptions.
United States Department of Justice
Community Relations Services (CRS)
99 Summer Street, Suite 1820
Boston, MA 02110
617-424-5715
Facing History and Ourselves
StopTheHate.org
Hatefilter - is a software product designed to act as
a gate keeper, protecting children by blocking access to www sites
of individuals or groups that advocate hatred bigotry or violence.
A) Does not remove site or censor content. Used as tool for parents
B) Does not want to limit speech, but protects children