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What is racism?

• Racism is when someone discriminates against you because of your race, ethnicity or culture.
• If you are experiencing racist remarks or abuse, it is important to tell somebody.

Why are people sometimes racist?

• Some people are prejudiced against particular races, groups or individuals, judging them as inferior.
• This says much more about the person who is prejudiced than the group or person they are judging.
• Prejudice and racism is usually based on ignorance and fear.

People at school are being racist, what can I do?

• If you experience racist bullying at school it can have a big impact on you, at the time it happens and later on in life.
• If you are being bullied you might not to want to go to school, or you may feel depressed and anxious.
• Even if you are not directly bullied because of your race, racist language or jokes are damaging and unacceptable.

Where can I get support?

• If you are being bullied because of your race it is really important to speak to someone about this.
• If it is happening at school tell a trusted teacher or staff member, they will be able to support you and hopefully stop the bullying.

What is a hate crime?

• If a person is verbally or physically attacked because of their race, this is classed as a race hate crime.
• If you feel the matter is serious enough you have the right to go to the police and report what has happened.
• Your local police force should have a team which have been trained to deal with hate crimes that can give you advice and investigate what has been happening

Isn’t difference and diversity a good thing?

• Yes! People are different from one another. This can be in many ways: age, social class, gender, race, sexuality, disability, appearance, tastes, interests and many more.
• We are all different but no-one is better or worse than anybody else.
• If we can appreciate diversity we can learn from each other and life is generally more interesting and varied.

If you have a question or you are unsure about anything then ask a Talksafe Counsellor or Peer Mentor.

Links

Childline: Racism

Bullying UK: Dealing with racism

BBC: Guide to racism

Last review: 02/06/11 - Next review: 02/06/13