Many people in BC asking “What can I do? How can I help?” to address the rise in hate crimes & racism. A list of practical things you can do starting tomorrow if you are serious about wanting to help [Thread]

1. Accept that hate crimes & inter-personal racism are part of much larger systemic & institutional racism. We can’t be rid of hate crimes until we’re rid of the more subtle but just as deadly institutional & systemic ways that society privileges some and degrades others.

2. Understand that racism isn’t possible without white supremacy & that all forms of racism are connected in that structure. Anti-Chinese racism surges today b/c we haven’t eradicated *all* racism. We need to start acting like our destinies are tied up together. Cuz they are.

3. Take stock of every org you’re in (work, school, church, local govt, media subscriptions): does it reflect the wider population demographics in BC? At all levels? If not, start asking why & don’t stop till you get real answers & commitments to change. Push for accountability.

4. Find out how racialized members of your organization are doing these days. Are they supported? Empowered to apply their lived experience in decision-making or relegated to being a token member? Amplify their voice as much as you can, it’ll signal & model inclusion & equity.

5. Hold educators in your school district accountable for teaching K-12 history & contributions of Indigenous ppls, Chinese/Black/Japanese/South Asian/etc Canadians. Write letters *today* & often. Racism is sustained by the irrational belief of inferiority. Education matters

6. Shut down micro-aggressions when you witness them, even if you’re the perp. This casual everyday racism devalues people & maintains the “othering” of racialized ppl as “different” for their appearance/culture/faith/accent. Start by dropping the word “exotic” fr your vocab.

7. To my BIPOCs: $uccess in a capitalist patriarchal colonial system wont save u fr racism & hate crimes cuz you’re “guilt” is on sight. Assimilation & model minority status is a trick to keep us compliant & invested in status quo. We ought to work together cuz we’re all at risk

8. Reject ‘s colourblind aka racism blind research & policy approach. In 2020 we can’t point to the US w our thumbs under our suspenders acting superior when the truth is we just don’t measure & track impacts. UK, US, etc reporting on the racial impacts of COVID. Here?

So there’s 8 things u can do to help put an end to hate crimes & racism in BC (there’s more). It will take significant systems change to combat the illogical & irrational belief that BIPOC are inferior to white ppl. Media, educators, & govts: y’all need to step up in particular