Strategies for combating racism and sexism. While nothing is likely to completely eradicate racism and sexism, there are things we can do to minimize their affect on our units. To make a difference in these areas, we must be aware the potential for both racism and sexism exist. We must also make a conscious effort to look for problems or problem areas in which either or both could happen. Education empowers people to recognize behaviors related to racism and sexism.
Individuals can then reflect and check their own behaviors and attitudes.
This not only refers to the laws of the land relevant to racism and sexism, but also to the standards and policies implemented within your unit. This refers to taking part in activities in which you interact with members of different races and genders. Often, one of the hardest things a person must do is to be honest with themselves. If we harbor prejudices and fears about other groups, it is best to be able to acknowledge that to ourselves. Only then can we figure out what steps we need to take to overcome these attitudes and beliefs we hold.