Ways To Help Fight Racism and Social Prejudice

Celebrate other cultures

Show your support for diverse ethnic groups in your community by attending, promoting or helping fund events run by local organizations and houses of worship that bring people together: festivals, film series, guest lectures, language classes and celebrations. Bring your children.

Recognize cultural diversity and inclusion by supporting local businesses run by immigrants, including restaurants and grocery stores. Try foods and recipes from a range of culinary traditions. Watch films from other countries with your kids and read them stories that celebrate diversity.

Call out bigotry and hate speech

Stigmatization is cruel and unproductive. There has been a disturbing increase in hate speech among Americans and Europeans in recent years, often blaming immigrant and minority groups for the difficulties of their own countries. If you overhear someone tell a racist joke, speak up and let them know stereotyping isn’t harmless. Let your children know they should feel free to do the same. There’s nothing funny about using “humor” to normalize dangerous ideas and perpetuate ugly stereotypes. If you see something in news reports or on social media that reflects prejudice, write a letter to the editor or leave a comment to let others know that intolerant remarks are unkind and uncalled for. Speaking up is one mindful way to stop hate from spreading and help fight racism and discrimination in everyday life.

Teach children kindness and how to talk about differences

Prejudice and hate are not innate. They are learned behaviors — and they can be unlearned. Children absorb biases from the adults around them, and from the media, books and their peers. So, set a good example. The process of countering negatives with positives begins at an early age. Talking about differences does not increase prejudice in children.

Helping children understand racism vs. discrimination, and how to recognize stereotypes can help prevent bias from taking root. Having the space to ask honest questions about discrimination helps children process what they see and experience, while giving adults an opportunity to guide the conversation with care. Adults can also support children by naming racism for what it is, validating their experiences and helping them understand how to stand up for themselves and others.

Act in solidarity — and intervene if it’s safe to do so

When the public stands in solidarity with immigrants and marginalized groups, bullies lose their power. If you see someone being harassed or physically attacked, it is important to help if you can do so safely. Make your presence as a witness known. Make eye contact with the person being attacked and ask if they want support. Don’t escalate the situation. Verbal and physical abuse are wrong and should not be tolerated.

Support human rights organizations like UNICEF

UNICEF has highlighted and advocated tirelessly for children’s rights around the globe for more than 75 years and knows that children need to be seen as children, first and foremost. It’s more important than ever that we all remain in solidarity with one another. Human rights are a collective promise made by all countries of the world, including those in distress. Children from all ethnic backgrounds — especially children who have been uprooted by violence, war and poverty — need our support, wherever they are. Every child deserves to be treated with humanity, and to grow up in a safe and healthy environment.

There is no single solution to discrimination or racism, but supporting children’s rights, inclusive education and humanitarian action can help create safer communities for every child.

What are some ways I can help stop discrimination?

Some ways to stop discrimination include talking openly about differences, reading stories from diverse perspectives and helping children recognize social prejudice early. Calling out harmful stereotypes can also help create safer, more inclusive communities.

What are solutions to discrimination?

There is no single solution to discrimination. Meaningful change takes education, advocacy, fair policies and community support for people affected by different forms of discrimination, including racism, xenophobia and religious intolerance.

How can communities help end racism?

Communities can help end racism by challenging racist ideas and behavior, supporting inclusive education and standing with people targeted because of their race, ethnicity or identity. Ending racism requires sustained action from individuals, schools, institutions and governments.

What is an effective way to combat stereotypes?

One effective way to combat stereotypes is to build understanding through real stories, relationships and education. Learning about different cultures, listening to people’s experiences and speaking up when stereotypes appear can help reduce prejudice over time.