Was That Racist?

How do we combat racism in a world determined to tell us it doesn’t exist?

To hold the line against racism, we need to know it when we see it. And as the dominant racial group in our society, White people must take up the charge. The problem is that White people haven’t been socialised to detect racial bias in the way people of colour do.

Racism is more than using racial slurs or overt, hateful speech, and it’s more than unintentional slights; it’s about an entire system that upholds Whiteness as the preferred standard.

Fortunately, detecting it is a skill that can be learned.

Was that Racist? is a re-education, call to action and practical guide, full of research-backed strategies including how to:

cultivate a growth mindset about bias

unlearn colourblindness and practice colour consciousness

talk to kids about race and racism – and bring others along for the journey

At a time when diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is under coordinated attack, Was that Racist? is the essential toolkit for anyone who believes we all have a role to play in creating a more equitable world.