How to tell someone it is not OK to make a RACIST REMARK. | www.ishouldhavesaid.net

When someone makes a racist remark, it can be so shocking that you don’t know what to say, but you want to let the person know that their racist remarks are not OK. If you personally disagree with what’s being said, you need to speak up and say something. If you don’t say anything at all, the person may think your silence means you agree with their racist sentiments.

Don’t worry about saying something publicly. This isn’t a conversation that needs to be held behind closed doors. Let the people in the room who have been insulted know that you don’t support the person making derogatory remarks.

Some folks who make ignorant racist remarks don’t realize that they are making inappropriate comments. It can be more challenging to call out a close friend on their bad behaviour than a casual acquaintance. If someone thinks that it is OK to make a racist remark, you will have to think deeply about continuing the friendship.

Here are a few things you can say to let the person know their disrespectful attitude is not acceptable.

17 Best comebacks to let people know that racist comments are not OK

1. I don’t judge people by their race, colour, religion or size. I base it on whether or not they are a jerk.

2. You are the stereotype of someone always complaining about stereotypes.

3. Do not be racist, hate everyone equally.

4. We must not judge people by the colour of their skin but by their annoying personality.

5. I don’t think it’s appropriate to make negative comments about someone’s race.

6. I’m not sure what you hope to achieve by making rude comments another person’s race.

7. That comment was racist and offensive. it is never OK to make racist derogatory remarks.

8. I don’t think you realize how hurtful that comment is. It perpetuates harmful stereotypes and racist.

9. Let’s change the topic to something more positive that doesn’t insult or exclude anyone.

10. Thank you for your unsolicited opinion, but I’m not interested in hearing any comments that include racist remarks.

11. I’m not sure if you’re aware, but what you said not only rue but also incredibly insensitive.

12. I cannot be part of a conversation that puts down on people’s race in a derogatory way.

13. Are you for real? That racist comment is straight out of the 1950s. Don’t make comments like that, it is not OK.

14. That was an offensive remark, et’s try to be more mindful of our words in the future.

15. Do you know that it is not OK to talk like that in this day and age?

16. I don’t participate in negativity and hate. Let’s try to keep the conversation positive.

17. I don’t think I heard you correctly. Did you really just say that?

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how to respond to a racist remark

It’s important to respond to a racist remark in a way that feels authentic and true to your own values and beliefs. Here are a few possible ways to respond:

1. Call out the racist remark: Tell the person who made the racist remark that their comments are completely unacceptable and not to talk like that in your presence.

2. Raise awareness: You can also try to educate the person on why their comment is outdated and problematic. Some folks really have no clue that their behaviour is totally unacceptable.

3. Redirect: if someone makes a racist remark in your presence you can redirect the conversation to something more positive. Some people miss social clues, by redirecting the conversation you don’t have to confront the ignorant person.

Safety always comes first, and if you are in an unsafe situation, feel free to leave and get support from the police or allies.

What to say when someone makes a negative remark

Russell Peters experienced Racial Bullying

Rusell Peters
Via Wikipedia

Comedian Russell Peters was the victim of racial bullying, growing up South Asian kid in Canada. He was small for his age with a big mouth, and didn’t know how to fight or defend himself, so he took up boxing to fend off  the bullies. Defending himself against bullies also developed his comedic muscles by getting the bully laughing, and getting himself out of an ass whooping situation. Read more about Russell’s story

Drake experienced racism in high school

Drake via Ace Showbiz

Famous rapper Drake was born to Jewish-Canadian mother and an African-American father. Drake was called a “schvartze,” a derogatory Yiddish word for black, by kids at the Jewish school he attended in Toronto.   He says, “I went to a Jewish school, where nobody understood what it was like to be black and Jewish. When kids are young it’s hard for them to understand the make-up of religion and race.”“The same kids that made fun of me are super proud [of me] now,” Drake lamented. “And they act as if nothing happened.”

More comebacks you might like

10 famous people who have experienced racist comments

Here are 10 famous people who have experienced racist remarks:

1. Barack Obama: The first black president of the United States has had to put up with racist remarks including being called a monkey by an igorant person.

2. Meghan Markle: The Duchess of Sussex had a tough time with the British media,. and some folks found her treatment racist.

3. Serena Williams: The tennis superstar has faced racist and sexist comments throughout her career, including being compared to a gorilla by a former tennis player.

4. Lewis Hamilton: The Formula One driver has experienced racism on the race track, including being called the N word by other competitors.

5. Rihanna: The successful businesswoman and singer has had to put up with racist comments Iin the media, including being called a monkey.

6. Samuel L. Jackson: The actor has been told to “go back to Africa” by racist people.

7. Lupita Nyong’o: The actress has endure negative comments including she is too dark to play certain roles.

8. Mindy Kaling: The actress and writer has been put down and told that she is not attractive enough to be on TV. I guess Mindy is having the last laugh

9. Tiger Woods: The golfer was called the N word by someone watching during a tournament.

10. Viola Davis: The actress has faced racist comments, she has been told she wasn’t attractive enough for acting jobs.

How to shut up someone who makes racist remarks

The Role of counselling and self care

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When you are dealing with a person who makes racist remarks and you find it stressful, consider getting support from a professional. Talking to a counselor is a great way to work through a challenging situation, and help you find some strategies to work through the person’s behaviour.

Better Help is a great resource where you can talk to a counselor from the comfort of your own home. 

Taking care of your own needs isn’t selfish, and you will feel better in the long run.

Got any comments, questions or tips for dealing with someone who makes racist remarks? Share them in the comments below.

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12 Comments

  1. Where i come from we don’t judge by looks we judge on what flavour they bring to the table. You might as well join the trash if that’s the best you got.

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