While everyone is quick to identify overt racism—we post it on social media and read about it in the news—many of us ignore a more subtle kind of racism that is frequently camouflaged as a joke, a stereotype, or a subconscious judgment. Here are eleven indications that you may have accidentally engaged in "Everyday" racism:

You begin a statement with, "I'm not racist, although..."

Prefacing a potentially objectionable comment with "I'm not racist" has no ameliorative effect. Remember, when you feel the urge to begin a conversation with these four words: it isn't likely that anything positive will follow.

"I'm not a racist. I have black buddies."

Having friends from an ethnic minority does not give you the right to make racist remarks. What may be accepted among your closest friends may be insulting to those beyond your inner circle.

"You speak quite well for an Asian."

While you sincerely believe you are complimenting someone, you imply that Asians (or other nationalities) have a poor command of English.

Yes, but where are you initially from?

This question is asked innocently out of curiosity, yet it suggests that persons without white skin or a native accent cannot call their country home or could not have grown up there. As a multicultural culture, wherever we reside, we must respect the right of every person to call the country home. Therefore, we recommend asking a less insulting question: "What is your cultural heritage or background?"

You feel uncomfortable near Muslims and Hindus on aircraft.

Daily racial profiling occurs not only by law enforcement officials or airport security personnel; many "ordinary" citizens harbor biases against persons with particular ethnic or religious identities. What you may refer to as a "harmless stereotype" has a significant influence on the everyday lives of large groups of people.

Do you cross the street to avoid individuals of a certain race?

This seems to be quite self-explanatory. This is the higher level of everyday racism and the discriminating beliefs held against another person based only on their race, culture, or religion.

You do not perceive color, just the human race.

This sort of "colorblind racism" disregards society's history of racism, its system of white privilege, and the everyday realities that people continue to confront due to racism. Even if you can disregard skin color, society cannot.

You are upset more by "reverse racism."

Some white individuals find "reverse racism" to be offensive. They believe that white people are negatively harmed by measures intended to aid minority populations. If reverse racism makes you angry and defensive, we have webinars that are able to assist.

The phrase "take a joke" is used when someone is insulted.

With some people's laid-back attitude, it's easy to dismiss offended individuals as prudes who "can't take a joke." Instead, attempt to examine the situation from their perspective and learn about their experiences. Remember that we have no control over who finds our jokes offensive. The intention is less essential than the effect.

You avoid a person because of their race, disability, nationality, or ethnicity.

This is the most subtle type of Everyday racism, yet it may be just as damaging as using racial slurs. A person may feel like they do not belong if they are avoided.

What Is Everyday Racism Exactly?

Everyday racism is racially inappropriate conduct that frequently goes unnoticed in daily interactions. Racism is often challenging to detect since it is so ubiquitous and normalized that it is sometimes a part of our everyday life.

Everyday racism can include jokes or remarks that emphasize (in a derogatory manner) cultural distinctions such as physical appearance, cultural traditions, and accents. It can also be shown via ideas, attitudes, and behaviors that we often do not recognize as being our own.

How It Affects Individuals

Everyday, racism goes beyond innocuous jokes or remarks. It often leads to unintentional discrimination, marginalizes individuals who speak out, and ultimately enables actual racists in our community to legitimize their ideas. We propagate the next generation of schoolyard and workplace bullies by normalizing racial prejudices in society.

What is white supremacy, and how do white supremacist organizations work in our community?

How Can You Assist?

Regardless of your race, demonstrating empathy is an excellent starting point. This requires listening to individuals impacted by racism, learning about their daily problems, and comprehending the impacts of privilege. Try our webinar Daring Inclusive Conversations®.

Discover methods for speaking out against racism safely.

Continue the discussion - One of the most remarkable ways to make Everyday racism more evident is to discuss it publicly. We urge you to share your work and social experiences.

Image courtesy of Liz Falconer @lizfalconer

Jim is president of Woods Kovalova Group

Jim has a passion for accelerating talent across organizations. While this passion has fueled his work in leadership assessment and development, it has crystallized in the area of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. 

Jim's experience spans a broad range of industries, including public, finance, consumer, retail, pharma, industrials, and technology. 'Organizational & people agility,' 'design thinking,' and 'digital transformation' are some of the critical themes Jim works with clients across the globe.

His consulting experience includes assessing, training, coaching, and developing leaders. In addition, he has delivered work in defining competencies and success profiles, designing and conducting assessment centers, integrating talent analytics, and designing and facilitating development roadmaps.

Jim is a certified coach and facilitator for Woods Kovalova Group's virtual leadership assessment and development tools, including leadership accelerators, and WKG Potential. Jim holds an MS degree in organizational development and human resources. He served as an adjunct professor at Villanova University; taught fifth-grade math and science.