how to support the anti-racist movement?

Following the protests following the death of Georges Floyd in the United States, the problem of racism in France was raised again. Powerful and numerous voices have been raised to denounce systemic racism. Why and how to support the movement when one is non-racialized?

"In a racist society, it is not enough not to be it, one must be anti-racist" said Angela Davis. The racism of French society is today underlined by women like Camélia Jordana, Assa Traoré, Aïssa Maïga.
Those not directly affected by racism also have a responsibility in the fight against it. How then do you become aware of the magnitude of the problem and be part of the solution?
First, to become aware of the phenomenon, let's give the entire definition.
Nicolas Galita, a blogger, made a clear definition of it in an article in his blog. He describes the five dimensions of racism, which allows to dispel all debates on "anti white racism", which does not exist.
First there is the aspect of ordinary racism, which constitutes the largest part of the daily weight. “He goes through“ jokes ”and“ where do you come from? ” “ said Nicolas Galita. One of the many other examples cited by many concerned is touching the hair of someone who has frizzed it without asking permission.
The second dimension is hostile racism, which is most often emphasized. These are the insults, the malicious acts, it is the most visible and most universally condemned part (rightly so).
The third dimension is structural racism: this is what makes being white gives privileges over those who are not.

The penultimate dimension is that of historical and geopolitical racism "which means that when I look around, the black countries are poor and we have the consequences of the slave trade. ” said Nicolas Galita.
Finally, the last is internalized racism. It is this dimension that makes “I myself was ugly when I was little, that sometimes I was silent on the subway not to“ create racism ”and that I myself have a priori towards other blacks” explains Nicolas Galita.

Recognize and learn about racism

Once these dimensions are understood, how can we not maintain the surrounding racism?
First, by opening your eyes to the phenomenon and recognizing the privileges you have when you have fair skin.
What is it, to be privileged? Aufeminin explained it to you in this article: "For many, to be privileged is not to suffer the same discrimination as a racialized individual. This is called social privilege."

It also means educating yourself about this problem, using all the resources available and made available by people who experience racism. Journalist Laurianne Melierre and the Women Who do Stuff association have identified resources that are accessible simply, often free of charge on the internet, which you will find here and here to understand racial issues in France.
You have the choice: podcasts, documentaries, press articles, various works … These lists also allow you to have different levels of complexity. The stand-up also makes it possible to approach racism with humor and relevance, like what comedian Fary does in his sketches.

Once you are well aware of the problem from the inside, it is also important to recognize the mistakes that may have been made (to move forward): we live in a racist society, so we can inadvertently make mistakes. The key is to be able to correct yourself, and a Youtuber like Daring Tia explains very well the possible blunders in this video.


Listening to the people concerned in order to act

After these necessary, essential steps, do not forget to listen to the people concerned. You may have read all the things in the world on racism, listening to non-white people is the basis, because a white person can never experience racism.
It is also important to speak out for those concerned without speaking for them but by taking up their word, or by leaving them room (real or virtual) to speak.
For this, you can follow accounts on social networks like that of Assa Traoré, Tétons Marrons, Jennifer Padjemi, Fania Noel, Grace Ly, or even find out via media that are made by people affected by racism, such as Guiti News for example:

The last step is of course to act! It starts with not looking away in situations of racism. It is to take back those around you, even when it was only a joke, to oppose it. Take an interest in police violence, film this violence if necessary.
Please note, some activists ask not to relay images of racist violence on social networks, this can be very traumatic for those concerned.
To act is also to go and demonstrate with the people concerned, without taking their place. Demonstrating allows you to show your support, but it is not an opportunity to "prove your worth" through calculated commitments. For people who cannot go to demonstrate, activist Fania Noel has gathered advice to help anyway.

If you have the means, you can also donate to anti-racist associations, collectives or funds, and the Wome Who Do Stuff association gives you ideas here.
Finally, taking action is also doing it for the future: you educate those around you, your friends and your children to fight for the long term and that this scourge will disappear as quickly as possible. This can be with books like How to talk to children about racism by Rokhaya Diallo, L'Esclavage told my daughter by Christiane Taubira or even children's books by Laura Nsafou.
Welcome to a long and beautiful path of learning and questioning!