Anti-racism is not just a passive ideology, but an active way of perceiving and existing in the world, with the aim of bringing about transformative change. Given that racism can permeate all levels and facets of society, leading to the creation and perpetuation of exclusionary barriers, anti-racism education and activism must be pervasive in all domains of society. This critical approach is not limited to workplaces, classrooms, or specific spheres of life, but instead should inform all aspects of our existence.

By analyzing and critiquing racism and how it functions, anti-racism theory provides a foundation for concrete action to eliminate it. By engaging in this ongoing process of examination, we can begin to dismantle systemic barriers and create a more equitable society for all.

Using the defense of "but I'm not racist" is a way for individuals to shirk their responsibility to participate in anti-racism efforts. This mentality implies that issues of racism do not affect them, while ignoring the fact that people who are "not racist" still benefit from a system that is inherently biased against those who are racialized, regardless of where they live in the world.

It is impossible to claim complete innocence from any form of racial prejudice or bias, as our upbringing and environment have inevitably instilled in us certain perceptions and attitudes towards those of different races or even those within our own racial groups. Simply stating that one is "not racist" is not enough. In order to make meaningful progress towards a more equitable society, it is imperative that we actively and continuously work towards anti-racism.

Cultural racism refers to how the dominant culture, which is predominantly white and of European/Western descent, shapes societal norms, values, beliefs, tastes, and standards in a way that reinforces and privileges whiteness, while simultaneously oppressing non-white individuals.

By highlighting cultural differences and labeling some as "desired" or "good", and others as "bad", cultural racism assigns value, humanity, and normality to white people and whiteness, and by extension, rationalizes the unequal treatment and marginalization of Black and non-white individuals. This phenomenon is evident in many aspects of our lives, such as our unexamined reverence for classical music by white composers, versus the marginalization of rap music by Black and Latinx artists, or our honour for French cuisine/pâtisserie over other kinds of food.

Using the defense of "but I'm not racist" is a way for individuals to shirk their responsibility to participate in anti-racism efforts. This mentality implies that issues of racism do not affect them, while ignoring the fact that people who are "not racist" still benefit from a system that is inherently biased against those who are racialized, regardless of where they live in the world.

The practice of ascribing values such as "tastefulness" or "worldliness" to certain cultural symbols, while hegemonizing and excluding others, is a largely overlooked aspect of racism and white supremacy that requires urgent attention. By bringing attention to this issue and actively working to address it, we can begin to dismantle cultural racism and create a more equitable and inclusive society for all.

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