Key Concepts & Definitions
This term refers to the proactive and deliberate efforts to oppose and dismantle racism in its various forms
What is anti-racism?
According to Kendi, this concept means you can’t just be “not racist”, you’re either working against inequality or supporting it
The idea you’re either racist or antiracist
What’s one small action anyone can take to help fight racism?
Speak up, advocate & defend when you hear a racist comment
Why do you think it’s uncomfortable for people to talk about race or racism?
-Fear of saying the wrong thing
-Can change your beliefs or ideas of yourself and other people you’ve trusted
-Privilege may be invisible to those who have it (might not see it if it is not happening to them)
-Some people have been taught not to talk about it
-Talking about an uncomfortable truth
Why is it important for SLPs to understand their clients’ cultural & racial background?
-Understanding client’s use of language (gestures, eye contact & language qualities)
-To avoid misdiagnosis
-Build understanding and trust
-Client centered practice
*Being culturally aware is a foundation of good practice in our diverse world
What is one way racism can show up in everyday life?
Use of microaggressions
For example, “Wow you speak English so well!”
Another example: Walking fast & clutching bag when a Black man is walking by
Why is it important to understand how race intersects with other identities, like gender or class?
Reveals how individuals experience discrimination in unique ways, based on the aspects of who they are
Why is it important to look at systems and policies, not just individuals, when trying to make changes?
It is our systems that shape/impact people's lives not “just” personal prejudice
Systems for health care, housing, criminal justice, and employment
Can you recall a moment when someone made an assumption based on your identity?
*personal reflection
Example: if someone was assumed to be less capable because of their appearance or background, they might feel invalidated or confined into a stereotype
How might an SLP create a more welcoming space for families from diverse backgrounds?
-Learn about client & family cultural background
-Acknowledge your own bias
-Ensure resources are culturally appropriate
-Use appropriate language
-Listen
-Respect their expertise
What’s the difference between being not racist and antiracist?
Not racist- you don’t consciously hold racist views or engage in discriminatory actions (passive stance)
Antiracist- actively working to challenge and dismantle racism in all its forms—whether that’s in personal beliefs, policies, or institutions (active stance)
What is a term used that describes the feeling of anxiety or stress individuals experience when they fear confirming negative stereotypes about their social group?
Pressure of stereotypes
What is something you could incorporate into an antiracist policy?
Actively challenging racism
Education and trainings
Reflect on unconscious bias
Intentional actions
What’s something schools/workplaces could do to be more inclusive?
-Prioritize Diversity in Leadership and Decision-Making
-Implement Culturally Relevant and Inclusive Curriculum or Practices
-Create safe space for open communication
-Address microaggressions & implicit bias
-Celebrate diversity & cultural awareness
Give one example of how an SLP can eliminate the use of contrast bias.
Evaluate the client on their own strengths and needs instead of against standardized criteria or in comparison to others abilities
What is a behavioral racist idea?
racial groups are responsible for the actions of individuals
How can beauty standards be connected to racism or colorism?
The idea that races are socially constructed by racism
What’s the first step in challenging harmful ideas?
Self-awareness; recognizing and naming our own biases
How can we notice & respond to subtle forms of racism, like micro-aggressions?
*personal reflection, here are some ideas:
-Recognizing actions or communication that someone presents a microaggression
-Understand the impact they have on others
-Respond asking them to explain themselves
How might unconscious bias affect how an SLP interacts with a client?
Things that could be impacted that we need to eliminate:
-assume that a child from a non-native English-speaking background has a language disorder
-unconsciously design therapy plans based on assumptions about what a family’s cultural practices or values might be
-Decrease client/family trust with clinician
This term refers to the false and disempowering belief that Black individuals cannot be racist because they supposedly lack power or agency.
What is powerless defense?
The process by which individuals from marginalized racial or ethnic groups begin to believe, accept, or adopt the negative stereotypes, prejudices, and biased beliefs that are directed at their own racial group
What is internalized racism?
How can recognizing and appreciating racial identity be a form of respect, rather than division?
Shows respect by valuing a person’s full experience, culture, and history, rather than ignoring a part of who they are
Kendi describes this as a process of unlearning racist ideas.
What is education?
How can the principles of antiracism inform an SLPs approach to cultural competence when working with clients from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds?
Antiracism principles encourage SLPs to recognize and challenge biases, especially in assessments and therapy, to ensure cultural differences are respected; be mindful, use appropriate language