21 3.7: What is NOT Racism

It’s important to distinguish between actions or behaviours that perpetuate racism and those that do not. Not every negative interaction or outcome is necessarily the result of racism. Understanding what constitutes racism versus other factors is crucial for promoting equity and justice in dietetics.

Reverse Racism

Reverse racism is a common argument that is used to invalidate the actual oppression of racialized individuals, specifically when organizations and policies are created to address injustice that disadvantages these groups. We can look at Figure 3.1, a graphic that Arnold & Burke use to demonstrate the three ways on how racism is sustained in society and why reverse racism cannot occur. 

All three aspects of Arnold & Burke’s model work together to perpetuate racism and uphold a racist society and all three must be addressed to dismantle racism.  These conditions can exist even in all Black families, communities, workplaces and countries. Without all three working together in the reverse (i.e. towards white people), racism cannot be expressed towards the dominant, privileged white identity.

Neutral Policies or Practices

Some neutral and unexamined policies and practices perpetuate racist outcomes. They may have differential impacts on racial groups even if they were not intended to be inherently racist. Sometimes, disparities may arise from factors unrelated to race, such as socioeconomic status or geographic location. For example, a policy that allocates resources based on need rather than race may inadvertently result in differential outcomes for different racial groups. Studies like those of Braveman et al. (2022) emphasize how disparities may result from broader systemic issues, including social determinants like income, education, and access to resources. These factors, while not directly related to race, can still disproportionately impact marginalized groups. Some policy leaders and educators provide adequate evidence explaining how policies that are not created to be anti-racist, can often become racist policies. Explore the work by author and professor Ibram X. Kendi to learn more.

Biases

Racism does not always manifest as overt acts of discrimination. Biases, while harmful, may stem from ignorance or lack of awareness rather than malicious intent. Individuals may hold biases based on stereotypes or cultural norms without realizing their impact on others. However, unless these biases are acted upon in a discriminatory manner, they do not constitute racism.

Critique of Professional Norms

Critiquing professional norms or standards within the field of dietetics is not inherently racist. Constructive criticism aimed at addressing systemic inequities and promoting inclusivity is essential for driving positive change. It’s important to distinguish between legitimate critiques of institutional practices and racially motivated attacks. Discussions by Etowa, Beagan, and Runnels (2020) emphasize the importance of challenging professional norms to foster equity in healthcare, recognizing the need for ongoing reforms to better serve marginalized communities. Engaging in discussions about improving diversity, equity, and inclusion in the profession is necessary for progress, and such discussions should not be dismissed as racist (Arnold & Burke, 1991; Dismantling Racism, n.d.).