9 Ways To Solve ‘Race’ Problems Without Focusing on ‘Race.’
Whenever the topic of abolishing ‘race’ comes up, without fail, someone says we can’t discard ‘race’ because it’s necessary to solve ‘race’ problems. I thought the same for a long time, but lately, I’ve been wondering: is it really? Is there truly no other way to tackle ‘race’ issues without centring or mentioning ‘race’?
From what I’ve observed, centring ‘race’ not only reinforces ‘race’ as real and natural but also reproduces racism. Moreover, it tends to make people focus on who should be blamed and attacked instead of the issue at hand and what needs to be done to change the situation.
Practically speaking, it’s also challenging to prove less extreme or covert forms of racism beyond a shadow of a doubt, making it hard to measure, argue and tackle.
Unfortunately, many people are unaware of practical ways to deal with racism beyond ineffective anti-bias training workshops that happen for a few hours once a year without follow-up.
Furthermore, centring ‘race’ in ‘race’ issues hasn’t always been beneficial. Historically speaking — and even today — the very people and institutions meant to use ‘race-centred’ information to solve problems have used and continue to use it to villainise and exclude the marginalised to fit their agendas, start ‘race’ wars and confirm biases.
On top of that, some try to gain influence by capitalising on the pain and frustration of the marginalised to get ahead, convincing them that they’re powerless, perpetual victims with unique issues who are up against a heartless and evil oppressor.
The reality is that not everyone who seems to be for the cause has pure or noble intentions. Additionally, human beings can behave in both ‘good’ and ‘bad’ ways depending on the situation and their level of awareness or consciousness.
However, even the labels ‘good’ and ‘bad’ are subjective and are very much dependent on who’s looking or judging. For example, what might be ‘bad’ for one person or group is ‘good’ for another and vice versa.
In addition, framing issues around ‘race’ isn’t always impactful. It has been known to cause fighting, even among marginalised ‘races’, as some might find it unfair to address only one group’s needs or issues. Furthermore, some might not see a problem as racist, and others might opt to deny or ignore it.
Moreover, some might see centring ‘race’ or the concerns of one ‘race’ over others as divisive, regardless of the justification. In addition, those who already have prejudices against certain ‘races’ will likely use ‘race-based’ information to confirm their biases or find ways to further exclude and distance themselves from the marginalised ‘race’ or ‘races.’
In the end, the problem is left unresolved, making people feel disregarded, attacked, angry and dismissed, regardless of ‘race.’ This also makes them less open to finding solutions that benefit everyone.
With that said, how can we solve ‘race’ issues without focusing on ‘race’?
Below are the ways that I’ve thought of that could help:
1. Accept what is
Accept the people and circumstances that you have to work with. Don’t wish they were different and don’t see them as they could or should be, but see them as they are — at least until you’ve identified the problem.
Don’t essentialise the people or situation either. Things can change with the right approach, but you have no control over whether they do. All you can do is try your best.
Additionally, accept that experiencing racism doesn’t make you an expert on it or how to solve it. Also, recognise that people have differing views and acknowledge that some would rather ignore or deny the facts.
You might be thinking, “then why should I care about these people?” Because they’re usually also the people in power or the ones you need to bring about change.
However, trying to force them to see or do things your way or denying and dismissing their perspective or reality will only backfire. As Eric Barker says, “If your attitude is ‘my way or the highway,’ then I hope you like traffic jams.”
2. Identify the mechanisms enabling the problem
To identify the mechanisms enabling the problem, you must be curious and open-minded. Being open-minded means that you approach the issue without preconceived notions and are willing to see or accept a differing perspective or answer than what you have in mind.
Being curious involves not making assumptions but instead listening, asking questions and seeking information for clarity and understanding, not to respond, defend or as a way to confirm your beliefs and conclusions about the situation or the people involved.
When identifying the enabling mechanisms, the focus shouldn’t be on who’s to blame but on identifying the circumstances that enable the undesirable action or behaviour to exist and persist.
To do so, you can begin by asking the following questions: What’s the undesirable situation? Is it really the case? Why does it happen? What’s allowing the behaviour or situation to occur?
3. Separate the people from their actions
In my experience, in ‘race’ discussions, people often find it difficult to separate the person or people from the undesirable action they’re doing and from stereotypes about their ‘race.’ Instead, people tend to use these actions and stereotypes to judge, blame and essentialise each other.
This then creates the impression that the offender’s inappropriate actions are part of their character and will therefore never change, making it seem pointless to address the issue. Frustrated, people opt to write each other — and those of the same ‘race’ — off.
A possible remedy is to focus on the problem and not the people. Instead, highlight the undesirable action without making it part of the other person’s identity.
Moreover, it’s best to focus on the person or people you’re addressing, not their whole ‘race.’ To keep the conversation moving in a productive direction, try not to project onto the other party previous negative experiences you’ve had with members of their ‘race.’
For example, instead of saying, “you white people are so selfish,” it’s more constructive to say, “when you behave in this way, it comes across to me as selfish.”
4. Find inclusive ways to define and solve the problem
Usually, with ‘race’ issues, it’s not just one ‘race’ that’s marginalised, affected or suffering. A common thread usually runs through affected ‘races.’
For example, they’re usually dehumanised and excluded from opportunities and resources. As a result, many want recognition and inclusion and the chance to change their circumstances for the better.
Regardless of what they’re about, successful movements constitute people of various backgrounds. To get the most support, it’s therefore helpful to frame ‘race’ issues in a way that includes or resonates with as many people as possible.
Knowing how racism works, if one ‘race’ is affected by an issue, chances are another ‘race’ is too, albeit to a different degree. Therefore, framing the issue beyond ‘race’ includes more people and attracts more help.
For example, people might not give a damn about issues affecting one ‘race’ or even about racism, but they might care more about socioeconomic development.
Framing the issue and solution beyond ‘race’ also helps people think and see beyond their biases to focus on the problem instead of problematising the people. It also doesn’t reproduce racism.
This is one thing the African National Congress (ANC) got right. The ANC is a ‘black-led’ South African national liberation movement and political party. In a majority ‘black’ country like South Africa, the ANC could’ve just focused on liberating ‘black’ South Africans from Apartheid, especially since they were the most marginalised.
Instead, they chose the more inclusive goal of uniting African people and fighting for “fundamental political, social and economic change” and against racism and oppression. Doing so gave them national support and made them a leading political party, putting them in a position to bring about change which also benefits those racialised as black.
Today, the ANC says that it still aims to create “a united, non-racial, non-sexist and democratic society,” and its objective is to improve “the quality of life of all South Africans, especially the poor.”
5. Focus on the here and now
In my experience, another thing that leads to a dead-end when solving or discussing ‘race’ issues is that the people involved tend to either focus on the past or the future, resulting in anger or them ignoring present problems.
Except, now is the only time in which problems can be solved or alleviated. I’m not saying that people shouldn’t plan for the future or ignore the pain and issues of the past.
Although people should be aware of the past and the future, it’s more constructive to focus on what’s available, needed and doable now.
6. Be aware of how your biases halt progress
Don’t be married to a particular way of thinking or seeing or get swept up in the opinions, desires, needs and expectations of your ‘race.’
Within this, try not to see and treat people of the same ‘race’ as a monolith. They won’t take kindly to it, and nor will you. It also doesn’t move the conversation forward.
Not all people of the same group — especially an arbitrarily assigned racial group — have had the same experiences, nor do they think or act the same. In general, ‘race’ isn’t a good predictor or indicator of individual character, especially since it’s an arbitrarily assigned identity.
Becoming aware of your biases involves realising that you don’t know everything about people, their experiences, or situations. It also requires you to acknowledge and face your judgments, fears and trauma to have open, vulnerable, and constructive communication with other human beings.
7. Take accountability
Accept, expect and own up to the idea that you might be doing something that contributes to the existence or persistence of the very circumstance you hate and are trying to eradicate. It takes two to tango — there are no perfect villains or victims.
When problem-solving, the focus shouldn’t be sitting on your high horse and telling others what they’re doing wrong and how they’re hurting you while you’re unwilling to hear and accept the same.
You also don’t have the right to be rude, hurtful or dismissive to others, no matter the circumstances — no problem has ever been resolved that way.
In that, accept that your perception of a particular issue or ‘race’ might be wrong. Make room for the fact that even though people might do things that hurt you, it might not be their intention or desire to do so.
At the same time, the lack of intention to hurt doesn’t change the fact that one is hurt. However, punishing or ridiculing the offender doesn’t change the situation for the better either.
It’ll be more beneficial to ask: which outcome do I want? Will the action I’m about to take get me the desired result? Does this help or benefit those beyond my group? Does this change things for better or worse?
8. Be willing to let go
To effectively solve ‘race’ problems, you must be willing to let go of racial ideology, being right, attacked, wounded, resentful, your mental and emotional position and your ignorance.
9. You don’t have a monopoly on suffering.
When dealing with racism, it’s best to avoid the oppression Olympics. Not only does it isolate you, but it also annoys and alienates other marginalised groups suffering similarly to you. But, most importantly, it also doesn’t solve the problem because it causes you to lack empathy and perspective.
