The Racism We Don’t See | Chrisma Adjetey | TEDxSaltwater P9 College Youth

Key Concepts

• Hidden Racism: Racism that manifests subtly through jokes, stereotypes, and seemingly harmless comments, rather than overt acts of hate.
• Casual Racism: The normalization of racist remarks disguised as jokes or lighthearted banter.
• Impact on Self-Esteem: The cumulative effect of hidden racism on an individual's sense of self-worth, confidence, and identity.
• The Butterfly Effect: The theory that a small event can trigger a chain reaction of significant outcomes, applicable to individual actions against racism.
• Reporting Barriers: Reasons why individuals, particularly young people, do not report racist incidents, such as a belief that it won't make a difference.
• Creating Inclusive Spaces: The importance of fostering environments where all individuals feel a sense of belonging and are celebrated for their differences.

The Pervasive Nature of Hidden Racism

The video highlights that the most dangerous form of racism is not always overt but often insidious, manifesting as "casual jokes," stereotypes, and even "so-called compliments." These remarks, though seemingly harmless, can erode an individual's self-perception over time. The speaker shares a personal anecdote from year six, where they, as the only Black child in their class in Melbourne, Australia, felt compelled to "wear a mask." This experience, detailed in a poem read at their graduation, initially led to feelings of bravery, being seen, heard, and belonging.

The Aftermath and the Nature of Online and Hidden Racism

However, the positive reception was followed by negative comments, drawing a parallel to social media where strangers can be critical. This illustrates how hidden racism operates: it stems from jokes, comments, and laughter, rather than overt hate, yet it still causes pain and self-doubt about belonging. Young people are particularly attuned to these subtle forms of discrimination, noticing jokes directed at those with different names, accents, or skin colors, and observing social dynamics of inclusion and exclusion. These experiences are internalized, even if not openly discussed.

Statistics on Student Experiences of Racism

The video presents data indicating the widespread nature of this issue:

• In Victoria and New South Wales, one in three students report experiencing racism.
• For Indigenous and multicultural students, this figure is nearly double.
• Despite 67% of students in Victoria reporting racism, fewer than 16% formally report it, suggesting a significant underreporting problem where most incidents remain invisible.

The Speaker's Stance and Call to Action

The speaker asserts their refusal to be silenced, stating, "I am black and I am proud and I will say it as loud as I'm allowed. I won't let their words bring me down. I won't let them steal my crown."

Strategies for Addressing Hidden Racism

The video proposes a multi-faceted approach to combatting hidden racism, starting with individual actions:

1. Notice: Be aware of jokes, nicknames, and assumptions. Pause and critically assess whether what is heard or seen is acceptable.
2. Speak Up: This doesn't require aggression. Simple statements like "Ouch, that hurt" or "That made me uncomfortable" can be effective. This action is likened to the "butterfly effect," where a single event can initiate a chain reaction.
3. Institutional Responsibility (Schools and Teachers):
   • Treat racism as a serious, real-world issue, distinct from general bullying.
   • Implement mechanisms like a "well-being box" where students can anonymously report racial interactions, allowing schools to acknowledge and address these issues.
   • Crucially, change the perception that reporting racism makes no difference.
4. Create Inclusive Spaces: Foster environments where every child feels they belong. This can be achieved through celebrating cultural days, allowing students to share their languages, and actively teaching mutual respect for differences.

Conclusion and Final Message

The speaker reiterates the lasting impact of hidden racism on self-esteem and confidence. Drawing inspiration from Rosa Parks' quote, "To bring about change, we must not be afraid to take the first step. We will fail when we fail to try," the video concludes with a challenge:

• Notice when someone is being racist.
• Speak up when witnessing differential treatment due to racism.
• Celebrate someone's story when given the opportunity.

The core message is that small, repeated actions by many can lead to significant societal change. The speaker, identifying as a Black kid in year six, emphasizes their identity beyond race and their call for action.