Chapter 2 - How To Be An Antiracist - Ibram X. Kendi

Chapter 2 - Dueling Consciousness

Assimilationist: One who is expressing the racist idea that a racial group is culturally or behaviorally inferior and is supporting cultural or behavioral enrichment programs to develop that racial group.
Segregationist: One who is expressing the racist idea that permanently inferior racial group can never be developed and is supporting policy that segregates away that racial group.
Antiracist: One who is expressing the idea that racial groups are equals and none needs developing, and is supporting policy that reduces racial inequity.

"One ever feels his two-ness, an American, a Negro; two souls, two thoughts, two unreconciled strivings; two warring ideals in one dark body, whose dogged strength alone keeps it from being torn asunder." W.E.B. Du Bois

"Antiracist ideas are based in the truth that racial groups are equals in all the ways they are different, assimilationist ideas are rooted in the notion that certain racial groups are culturally or behaviorally inferior, and segregationist ideas spring from a belief in genetic racial distinction and fixed hierarchy." pg. 31.

Self-Examination.
In my position as an educator, do I support specific programs for different racial groups. Do I, unintentionally, hold segregationist and assimilationist attitudes because of the educational programs I am involved with? What local/state/federal policies do I need to better understand so that I know what impact it has had and will have in my community?

Self-Awareness.
My life would be an example of privilege in this country. White, 30s, Christian, able-bodied, college education, cisgender, straight, middle-upper middle class, employed, home-owner. I need to understand and check my positions on policies and how they will impact the people in my community.  

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