What’s the difference?
Some people say, “I’m not racist,” but that is not enough. Being not racist means you don’t do or say racist things. Being anti-racist means you speak up and take action to stop racism.
| Not Racist | Anti-Racist |
|---|---|
| Stays Silent | Speaks up |
| Avoids doing harm | Tries to actively stop harm |
| Does not Challenge racism | Challenges racism |
Examples of anti-racism in action:
- In school: Asking for books that include BIPOC stories.
- At work: Supporting BIPOC colleagues and speaking out about unfair treatment.
- In Deaf spaces: Asking for BIPOC interpreters, calling out racist signs or attitudes, including more BIPOC leaders.
Why does this matter in the Deaf community?
Some white Deaf people may not see racism because it is not their experience. But racism still exists, in hiring, in access to continuous professional development, in sign language education, and in who gets chosen to lead or speak. Being anti-racist helps make Deaf spaces more fair for everyone.
Conclusion
We all have a role to play. Being not racist is passive. Being anti-racist is active. Change only happens when we speak up and take action.
Saved By The Sign (SBTS) is an Irish based intercultural consultancy and social enterprise committed to fostering social inclusion and racial equity within the global Deaf community. Through media, advocacy, and education, SBTS actively builds bridges across cultural divides, empowering Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) Deaf communities and promoting Deaf awareness and cultural understanding. SBTS engages with both Deaf and hearing BIPOC communities, enhancing accessibility and inclusive practices to ensure supportive environments for Deaf people within their cultural contexts. This work is deeply rooted in addressing social exclusion experienced by BIPOC Deaf individuals navigating predominantly white Deaf spaces and their own cultural communities, thereby bridging critical gaps for a more inclusive future.
