Why Does Racism Occur?

Our views and beliefs develop as we grow and are influenced by friends and family, neighborhoods, school and what we see and read in the media. However, it is the history of colonialism and enslavement in Canada that has socialized a belief of racial superiority over other groups (i.e. Black, Indigenous and racialized communities). This history continues to influence attitudes and beliefs about those communities and has shaped how communities are treated today. Racism in society, deeply entrenched in our systems and institutional practices affects how individuals perceive social differences, often in hierarchical ways. Unexamined beliefs that position groups and members of groups as more valued, talented, prosperous, etc. naturally lead to institutional policies, practices and micro-interactions informed by these beliefs, biases, stereotypes and prejudices. Although racism is a systemic and structural problem deeply rooted in our history, we are all complicit in contributing to its current existence. Therefore, we are ALL RESPONSIBLE for making the change by being the change. Biases and prejudices can be unlearned. Acknowledging your role in enabling the status quo, actively seeking opportunities to learn about alternate views, and critically questioning policies and procedures are just some ways of being anti-racist.

There are many similarities between bullying incidents and bullying informed by racism, such as they both cause the victim great distress. However, there are some differences in how bullying based on racism affects students. Some differences are:

• “Racism has a long history affecting millions of people and is a common feature in wider society.”

• “The distinctive feature of a racist attack or insult is that a person is attacked not as an individual, as in most other offences, but as the representative of a family, community or group. Other members of the same group, family or community are in consequence made to feel threatened and intimidated as well.”

• “Most bullying involves a series of incidents over time. In the case of racist bullying, however, a single one-off incident may have precisely the same impact as a series of incidents over time. This is because it may be experienced by the person at the receiving end as part of a general pattern of racist hostility.”

Source: “Bullying around racism, religion and culture” (2006), Learning Wales at 45.

Is it Conflict or is it Bullying?

Conflict is a disagreement, a difference of opinion or interests between people where there is no real or perceived power imbalance. In a conflict, both parties have power to influence the situation. That is their goal. Individuals involved in a conflict may disagree vehemently. Emotions may run high where both parties are upset. When conflict is badly managed or unresolved, it may result in aggression or intentional harm.

Conflict may be an inevitable part of group dynamics, but bullying is not. In each scenario, a different response is required.

When the elements that characterize bullying are present in a situation where there is aggression, conflict resolution is not a recommended response. Instead, adults need to ensure the safety of the student who is targeted and ensure that the wrongdoer who has bullied, or encouraged the bullying, takes responsibility for their actions. A restorative conversation might help only if the aggressor is genuinely willing to take full responsibility for their actions and seek ways to repair the harm AND if the targeted individual feels this is something they want to move forward. Safety for the targeted individual(s) is prioritized. Participation in restorative conversation is always voluntary for all involved or affected. A forced restorative conversation may cause further victimization and harm. Instead, staff can work restoratively with each student individually to support. Families should always be engaged in the processes and supports used in responding to bullying situations for their children.

Source: https://www.safeatschool.ca/plm/interrupting-bullying/simple-strategies/conflict-vs-bullying