Commentary: Racial slurs take a wider toll than hurting the recipient. Here’s what we can all do about it

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Racism News

Verbal Abuse

In Singapore, the uttering of words with the deliberate intention of wounding the racial feelings of a person is a punishable offence. Yet uses of racial slurs continue, particularly against members of the Indian ethnic minority.

Commentary: Racial slurs take a wider toll than hurting the recipient. Here’s what we can all do about it

Members of dominant groups often perceive conversations about these events to be difficult, sensitive and high-risk. As such, it is common for the collective response that follows such incidents to be for everyone — including the victim — to behave as though nothing has happened, and carry on with no acknowledgment of the injustice that transpired.

Practice empathy by asking yourself these simple questions: “How would I feel if someone spoke to me that way? What would I need from those around me in order to feel less alone?” In any conversation regarding incidents of racial discrimination and hate speech, the focus should be on affirming the experiences and perspectives of our friends and co-workers from victimised communities, and showing respect and appreciation for them as valued members of society and the workplace.Trying to follow conventional tips and guidelines on what to say to friends and colleagues from marginalised groups can feel “fake” and contrived. “Is it weird if I ask ‘How are you’?” you may wonder.

Verbal Abuse

 

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