Lift-the-flap Questions and Answers about Racism (Questions & Answers)

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Racism and racial abuse or bullying can be really distressing for children and young people. When a child is bullied or treated differently because of their race, it can lead to feelings of isolation, depression, anger or even shame about their race or how they look. Feeling very anxious, on edge and unable to relax (called hypervigilance or hyperarousal). For example, you might always be looking out for threats or danger. Sometimes it's very obvious, with a clear intention to harm or offend. This is often called overt racism. It can include: Not having enough money can have a negative effect on your health. This also contributes to people with first-hand experience of racism being under-represented in management jobs. Which makes it less likely that services will meet people's needs. Do they recognise how your experiences of racism may intersect with other parts of your identity? For example your gender, religion or sexuality.

For example – experiencing institutional racism at school as a child might make it more difficult to find work as an adult. Bias in hiring processes can make this even harder. We may experience racism and colourism from multiple groups. And we may hold privilege if we're assumed to be White in certain spaces. Internalised racism is when we hold negative views about ourselves because of our race. Internalised colourism is when these views relate to our skin shade. Covert racism can come from unconscious bias. This is when someone unknowingly accepts racial stereotypes, and this influences their behaviour. Learning about race, racism and privilege can lead people to consider what else they can do to combat discrimination. Sometimes, the next step can involve committing yourself to becoming actively anti-racist but it’s not always clear what that means. But when people talk about being anti-racist, it includes:Unfortunately, not all therapists are confident talking about racism during therapy. This can happen even if they have had some cultural competence training. This may make it harder to develop a good relationship with them. In some cases you may end up feeling more upset, stressed or isolated. Health problems can then further affect work and income. Work, study, money, housing and physical health are all connected to our mental health. This creates a vicious circle of disadvantage. Systemic racism and the pandemic Stop seeing them, or ask to be referred to another therapist. This might feel like the right option if they're often making you feel unheard, or unsafe. Anti-racism is taking action to challenge racism and promote equality. It is more than not being racist – it is about working against racism.

Be conscious or subconscious. You might not realise that some of your negative feelings stem from internalised racism or colourism. Have they had any experience of supporting people with the effects of racism? You can ask them directly. A responsible therapist will answer your questions honestly and openly. Institutional racism is when an organisation treats us poorly or unfairly because of our race. This can be intentional or unintentional. Many organisations don't realise how their policies and practices disadvantage people. Sometimes we feel uncomfortable talking about things we don’t know much about. If a child asks you a question which you don’t know the answer to, it’s okay to suggest that you learn together. The following resources can also be a great way to improve your understanding of race and racism: This type of racism is subtle and can make it seem like it’s okay to dismiss racial prejudice or discrimination with comments like, ’it’s in your head’, or telling someone they’re ‘playing the race card’.A system is something that is made up of lots of different connected parts. So systemic (or structural) racism describes how experiences of racism in many areas of life reinforce and fuel each other over time. Racial discrimination or racism is when someone is treated differently because of their race, ethnicity, nationality or colour. Any type of racism or racial discrimination is abusive and distressing for children and young people who experience or witness it. Unwelcome, lonely or isolated. Especially if people or organisations have said or implied that you don't belong. Charities and local services. Some local services offer free or low-cost support. Hub of Hope lets you search for local services near you. You can also filter results using their 'BAME Support' tag. Mind's Infoline could also help you find appropriate local services.

This means it’s illegal to discriminate against someone, or treat them differently, because of their race.Confused or unsure about whether you've experienced racism. This is especially true if others ignore or deny your experiences. It can make you question your reality. This is sometimes referred to as racial gaslighting. At system level we can see the wider impact of the inequalities and power imbalances, for example those set up by colonialism. We see how these are maintained now in policy, law, economics, culture and wider society. And how this creates White privilege. How systemic racism can affect individuals Anxious, fearful and unsafe. You may worry about how people are going to perceive and treat you. You might feel visibly different and vulnerable when you are around lots of people of a different race. You may spend time thinking about how you'll protect yourself before entering certain spaces.