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ARTICLE UNDER CONSTRUCTION
ARTICLE UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Antiracism or anti-racism has been defined as "the active process of identifying and eliminating racism by changing systems, organizational structures, policies and practices and attitudes, so that power is redistributed and shared equitably."[1] Another definition offered by Robert J. Patterson is "an active and conscious effort to work against multidimensional aspects of racism." 

This article is intended to provide a basis for (1) individual study of how to become antiracist as an element of spiritual self-transformation; or (2) group work to establish a culture of antiracism.
Stop Racism Black And White Hands.png

In its initial form, this course of study specifically explores the means by which White Americans can learn to join with Black Americans in achieving a society that is just, equitable, and compassionate. In the future the topic may be expanded to cover race relations of other groups, in other nations, and in the context of intersectionality. We also hope to add articles on other aspects of social justice within the context of Theosophy.

Theosophical Society and Race

The Theosophical Society and its successor organizations in the United States cannot been exempted from criticism that they lack a fully antiracist perspective, even though the intention to avoid distinction by race was declared early in the history of the Theosophical Movement.

First Object

In 1890, the First Object of the Theosophical Society took its present form: "To form the nucleus of a Universal Brotherhood of Humanity, without distinction of race, creed, sex, caste or colour." The Theosophical Society in America has done a good job in eliminating distinctions within our Society based on creed and sex, and caste is irrelevant in the United States. However, Theosophists have mostly edged away from consideration of race and color in writings, lectures, and activities, with much more emphasis placed on study of comparative religions and on interfaith activities.

Attitudes toward racism

Racism has usually been regarded by Theosophists as a social evil to be opposed, along with violence, vivisection, and capital punishment. The "victims of racism" were assisted in small initiatives by the Theosophical Order of Service but no comprehensive consideration of or action against racism in society was ever undertaken in any of the major branches of the Theosophical Movement. Study of the Root Races described in Theosophical literature led to unfortunate generalizations about people of African, Aborigine, and other "Lemurian" descent that reinforced attitudes of racial superiority among some White members.

Theosophists in India and Sri Lanka worked diligently for decades to change laws and societal attitudes, to uplift the dalit (scheduled) caste, and to raise the value of native culture, but nothing equivalent ever happened in the United States. Even though individual African-American members, lecturers, and Society staff have been cherished over the years, at least three lodges of the American Theosophical Society were designated as "colored," showing that the First Object phrase "without distinction of race" was not being generally embraced. Most modern Theosophists would be shocked and appalled at this history, but do not know how to change the culture of their Theosophical groups and society at large.

Antiracism as culture and self-transformation

Resmaa Menakem has said that White people must begin developing a culture of antiracism that will be transmitted to future generations. Aspiring antiracists should commit themselves to at least three years of study and group work to begin developing that culture.[2] Whites have to educate themselves in the history and language and actions and fabric of racism before they can hope to begin leading antiracist lives.

Antiracism in a Theosophical context should be integrated into a holistic practice that includes study, meditation, and service for spiritual self-transformation. White American Theosophists, like other White Americans, should learn to identify and avoid racist thoughts, words, and actions toward the goal of creating a true brotherhood of humankind.

Courses of study on antiracism

Several approaches can be made to the study of how to become antiracist.

  • Anti-Racist Alliance offers units of curriculum with links to many resources, workshops, and meetings.

Terminology

Resources for those aspiring to be antiracists

This is just a sampling of the materials that are available on these subjects.

Bibliographies

  • "Bibliography on Racism" by Paul Kivel at RacialEquityTools.org. Extensive list of books published before 2002 on race, racism, crime, violence, class, religion, gender, and other intersectionalities.
  • "Selected Antiracist Resources" at AntiRacistAlliance. Developed by [www.pisab.org People's Institute for Survival and Beyond].

History and current status of racism

Antiracism

Whiteness, White privilege, and White fragility

  • White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk about Racism by Robin Diangelo. Boston: Beacon Press, 2018. A White diversity trainer's advice to White people.
  • "Curriculum Part One: Whiteness" at AntiRacistAlliance. Collection of articles on Whiteness and privilege.

Allyship

"Allyship - The Key To Unlocking The Power Of Diversity" by Sheree Atcheson. Forbes. November 30, 2018. Suggests actions for businesses to take in promoting antiracism and in valuing diversity.

Colorism

Popular culture

  • Good Hair – Chris Rock documentary exploring "the way hairstyles impact the activities, pocketbooks, sexual relationship, and self-esteem of the black community" that is simultaneously hilarious, truthful, and poignant.

Global perspectives

These are examples of resources for study of racism, antiracism, and related topics outside the domain of Black and White Americans.

Websites and social media

  • Danielle Coke at @ohhappydani on Instagram and @ohhappydani on Twitter. Artist posts upbeat art on support, allyship, and activism.

Notes

  1. ↑ International Perspectives: Women and Global Solidarity.
  2. ↑ "How can you be an ally to the Black Lives Matter Movement?" discussion on Al Jazeera. Jun 8, 2020.
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