How to Call Racism Out as a Teenager – A Guide

You’re sitting at the lunch table, joking around with the whole friend group, and everyone is laughing. And then there it comes: the racist joke.

For a second, you freeze, but the table is still moving in the normal way.

You want to say something. You don’t want to say anything. You’re stuck in analysis paralysis.

Now what?

Here’s a step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Ask yourself: Who is around?

If you are around a big group of people, it may not be the best idea to call the person who made the comment out in front of everyone. Depending on the group, everyone may turn on the person who made the joke, which could make them feel targeted, or everyone could turn on you, making you the target. It is best to avoid these situations.

Instead, if you feel like you aren’t around the most supportive group, the best thing to do is just not laugh at the joke. Other people will notice that that was the only comment you didn’t have a response to. Obviously, make it subtle. You don’t want to alienate yourself or others; you just want to make your action small, noticeable, and, most importantly, understandable.

If you are in a smaller group of people, you can subtly direct your words and attention to the person who made the comment. Make sure you use a soft and respectful tone, and ask the simple question, “What did you mean by that?” Watch their response and react accordingly. If they fidget and seem uncomfortable, don’t interrogate them or try to embarrass them. If it seems appropriate, briefly explain why the comment was offensive, then move on. Chances are they have realized the mistake and will think twice before making comments like that again.

Step 2: Analyze. What is the conversation about?

Now it is time to be honest with yourself. Were you engaging in a hateful conversation that eventually led to an extremely racist comment? If so, start by calling yourself out first.

You participated.

Focus on correcting your own behavior first; then you can call other people out.

Step 3: Reflect. What was the intention behind the comment?

Last but not least, did the person intend to be racist or offensive? If not, simply let the person know. Make a quick comment such as, “Oh hey, I think that’s actually a slur,” or, “I don’t think you should say stuff like that; most people would find it offensive.”

Step 4: Act.

After assessing the situation, act! It is a lot to process in a split second, but with practice, you will be able to call out racism in your daily life!