So you have interpersonal racism, you have structural racism, and then you have systemic racism. To tackle all three of them, you need action on all levels. And when it comes to interpersonal racism, it’s interesting. I was speaking to Google yesterday about this. We were discussing the fact that some people are just scared of it. You get very much to a point where you feel like you’re walking on so many eggshells that you don’t speak up because you’re worried you might offend.
That’s the moment you as an individual, as an ally, can speak up and say, “Wait a second. Before we continue this conversation, there are people missing from this room for whom this is a direct concern. How do we get them into this conversation?” Challenge your bosses to improve that situation. So I think speaking up is important. Researching, learning and exploring, and providing that support is very important. Also, find ways that you can support those who are from these communities to be heard, and heard often. It’s being aware of your privilege and using it in the service of those who don’t have that privilege. That’s a thing that individuals can do. It really helps.
