Anti-Racism and Anti-Hate Project Report
4 Emergent Framework
Anti-racism education needs to be grounded in theoretical frameworks of transformational learning and adult education theory (Basham, Donner, & Everett, 2001; Deepak & Biggs, 2011; Lavoie, 2001) that allow for what Kendi (2019) describes as “the only way to eliminate racism is to identify and describe it and then dismantle it.” Connected to AR, racial literacy or the knowledge of theories, ideas, and actions to recognize, respond to, and counter forms of racism (Twine, 2004; Grayson, 2019) becomes fundamental to creating diverse, inclusive, safe, and caring community spaces that have become priorities mandated for the BC post-secondary sector.
Therefore, engagement in AR and AH work raises a level of consciousness required to move an individual from thought to action, and from fear to growth, as depicted in the Figure 2.
As visualized in Figure 3, the emergent framework from the environmental scan reflects an iterative process of continuous learning and unlearning that moves individuals from awareness and reflection to intentional and inspired action when engaging with the resources, tools and training connected to AR and AH work.
Such a framework provides a glimpse into the inspiring potential that exists within higher education in BC in creating awareness, approaches and innovation that no longer support historical and ever-present roots of racism, hate, colonization and white supremacy. Instead, opportunities abound for equity, diversity and inclusion at both individual and systemic levels at conscious and subconscious levels.
Is a set of mistaken assumptions, opinions and actions that is based on a belief that one group of people characterized by a specific colour of skin or shared ancestry is inherently superior to another. Expressed as jokes, slurs, hate speech or actions, racism is deeply rooted in entrenched institutions, systems, policies, programs, practices and attitudes. (3) (8)
Refers to behaviours, actions or words that can be offensive and hurtful and leave the targeted group/person feeling traumatized, excluded, unsafe, uncomfortable and sad. (1)
The invasion, dispossession and suppression of a group of individuals by another group that results in an unequal distribution of power and privilege. (2)
The idea that white people and the ideas, thoughts, beliefs and actions of White people are superior to People of Colour and their ideas, thoughts, beliefs and actions. This privilege results in white People enjoying structural advantages and rights while People of Colour do not. White supremacy is deeply rooted in entrenched individual, collective and systemic levels. (9)
Refers to an intentional process that considers power, access, opportunities, treatment, impact and outcomes of a group that has been historically, systemically and persistently marginalized. (2)
Differences in lived experiences, perspectives or understanding of people that is related to race, ethnicity, colour, culture, ancestry, geographical locations of origin, political beliefs, religion, class, etc. (2)
The unfair treatment of an individual or group that results in placing a burden on them, denying them of a privilege, benefit or opportunity that is enjoyed by others, because of race, citizenship, family status, disability, sex, etc. (1)