Resources and Downloads
Understanding Racism – a Guide for Everyone
Jun 1, 2024
Understanding why racism is wrong
How Are We All Different?
We are all different. People can look different from you. For example, their hair, height, or skin colour might be different.
Our skin colour comes from something called melanin. People with dark skin have a lot of melanin. People with lighter skin have less melanin.
Skin colour is an important part of who we are. But no one should treat you badly because of your skin colour.
Questions to Think About Your Identity:
- How do you identify?
- How does your family identify?
- Do you know people with a different skin colour to you?
What is Racism?
People can face different challenges because of their skin colour. Treating someone badly because of their skin colour is called racism, and it is wrong.
Racism can happen in different ways:
- Judging someone without knowing them
- Believing that everyone who looks alike is the same
- Treating someone unfairly because of their skin colour
Most often, racism happens to people who are not white.
Questions to Think About Racism:
- Have you experienced racism before?
- Have you seen racism happen to someone else?
- How does it make you feel?
Words and Actions That Can Be Offensive
Some words or phrases can hurt people or make them feel unsafe. Using them is racist or offensive.
- Think about how your words make other people feel.
- Even jokes can be harmful if they are about someone’s skin colour, background, or culture.
- Ask yourself: “Would I like it if someone said this about me?”
Racism is always wrong.
How Can We End Racism?
Everyone has a responsibility to stop racism. You can be anti-racist and help make the world fairer.
Ways to challenge racism:
- Tell someone if they say something racist or hurtful
- Be a good friend and support others – this is called being an ally
- Learn about other people’s lives and experiences
- Include everyone and treat everyone fairly every day
- Think about your own attitudes and how they affect others
- Sign petitions that fight against racism
- Ask government leaders what they are doing to make things fair
- Go to peaceful events or marches that fight racism
- Think about the advantages you have and how you can help others
- Support groups and causes that work for equality and fairness
Remember:
Racism is wrong. Skin colour is just one part of who we are. Everyone deserves respect and fairness. By learning, speaking up, and supporting others, we can make a difference together.
- Easy Reads
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- What is Racism? – The Include Project
- What is Racism – Mencap
- Racism Explained: An easy-read guide explaining race and racism – Ambitious About Autism
- What is an ally? – Changing Our Lives
- IMPACT Network inclusion and anti-racist practices in social care – IMPACT
- The Equality Act 2010 – Mencap
- What is Black History Month? – Mencap
- Useful Info
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- Racism Explained: A visual story explaining race and racism – Ambitious About Autism
- Black History Month: Chris’ Story – Mencap
- A poem for Black History Month – Lorraine Robinson, Mencap
- Race and Learning Disability: An Introduction – Respond
- Resources to understand race and racism – Ambitious About Racism
- Research
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We deserve better: Ethnic minorities with a learning disability and access to healthcare – Race Equality Foundation
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