Go Public With Your Anti-Racism

Are you openly anti-racist?

Would people know that you are committed to racial justice? 

Have you shared where you are in your journey toward understanding—especially if you are white—and invited conversations about it?

Andrew Bopp, Ph.D. has. 

I caught his LinkedIn post last week, about a tactic he uses when white colleagues or family members say something biased. 

It’s an excellent piece, both because of the advice he gives about interrupting bias, and because of the vulnerable way he names the path he has been on himself. In the first sentence, he describes his “transition from an all-lives-matter-I-am-not-racist white man to a woke, pro-DEI antiracist,” and credits inspirations from his therapist to scholar Ibram Kendi. 

It’s clear that this white man is unlearning the racist and sexist “programming by society” that he grew up with, and I give him kudos for that fundamental work. And I like the approach he describes: using first-person anecdotes to provide alternative perspectives to bias, rather than directly challenging someone and risking a defensive response.

I’m also really struck by the act of posting itself. 

I don’t know Dr. Bopp, but I now know he’s a “pro-DEI antiracist.” 

Based on the active and supportive comments, other people are drawing on his example. In his responses, he continues to model curiosity, humility, and passion about building a fairer world. He’s not apologizing, hesitating, or tiptoeing. 

How often do you hear that from white voices? Especially ones with corporate job titles not explicitly related to DEI, as Dr. Bopp appears to have?

So there are three lessons here:

• the tactic for responding to a biased comment,

• the example of one person’s self-reflection and education,

• and the power of going public with all of it.

Wherever you are on your journey, let the world know about it. Invite reactions. Even if some people criticize you for it. 

Especially if you have a privileged position in your racial identity, gender identity, or job status, where criticisms aren’t likely to have a material impact on your life.

DEI’s attackers are not shy on social media and TV. Its defenders can’t afford to be either.

It’s a little bravery that makes a big difference.