Why ‘Not Racist’ Isn’t Enough: The Power of Becoming Antiracist

For generations, many well-meaning people have assured themselves and others, 'I’m not racist.' But Ibram X. Kendi’s groundbreaking book, How to Be an Antiracist, exposes the illusion of neutrality in the face of systemic injustice. Kendi argues that the world isn’t divided into racists and non-racists; instead, every action, idea, and policy is either racist or antiracist. This simple but profound insight reframes the conversation, making it clear that passivity is not an option in the fight for justice.

Kendi begins with a powerful personal narrative—his own journey from internalized racism and denial to a place of self-awareness and action. He shares the story of a speech he gave as a teenager, one that echoed negative stereotypes he’d absorbed from the world around him. It’s a moment of vulnerability that resonates with anyone who has ever repeated harmful ideas without questioning them. This honesty sets the tone for a book that is as much about self-examination as it is about social change.

Central to Kendi’s argument is the idea that denial is the heartbeat of racism. He writes, 'The most threatening racist movement is not the alt-right’s unlikely drive for a White ethnostate but the regular American’s drive for a 'race-neutral' one.' Denial keeps us from seeing our own complicity and from recognizing the policies that perpetuate inequity. Every day, we face choices: will we support policies that create equity, or will we allow injustice to persist? There is no middle ground.

Kendi’s book is not just a critique; it’s a call to action. He provides practical steps for moving from awareness to action, emphasizing that antiracism is a daily practice. This means challenging stereotypes, advocating for equitable policies, and holding ourselves and our institutions accountable. It also means embracing discomfort and being willing to admit when we are wrong. The journey is ongoing, and perfection is not required—only commitment.

By the end of the book, readers are left with a sense of hope. Change is possible, but it requires courage, honesty, and collective effort. Kendi’s message is clear: 'The only way to undo racism is to consistently identify and describe it—and then dismantle it.' The work of antiracism belongs to all of us, and every step counts.

Ready to move from 'not racist' to antiracist? The first step is admitting that neutrality is an illusion—and the next is taking action, one day at a time.