Taking Responsibility, Taking Direction: White Anti-Racism in Canada

by Sheila Wilmot

Wilmot argues that the participation of white progressives in anti-racist movements and organizations in Canada badly needs an overhaul. With this thesis, she begins her assessment of anti-racist movements in Canada by guiding the reader through a summary of the ugly history and legacy of Canada's racist colonial past, and reveals that racism remains an urgent problem today, despite the passing of centuries. Racism in Canada is inextricably linked with capitalism, class, and sexism, and the state promotes it with its laws that systemically exploit Aboriginals and people of color, and privilege whites, despite its claim that Canada is a multicultural and democratic nation. Using concrete examples from her extensive activist experiences, Wilmot illustrates her argument that white progressives who aim to unite with people of colour against racist oppression must examine and possibly challenge their personal, political, and theoretical ideologies and acknowledge their privileged societal position, if they are to translate anti-racist ideas into effective action, and furthermore, help educate other “white folks” into taking up the cause in an informed manner. White leftists must cast aside political sectarianism and engage with Aboriginals and people of color as equals when they assist with organizing constructive anti-racist organizations and movements. The balance between taking responsibility and taking direction is oftentimes tenuous at best, Wilmot suggests, but it is essential that in the fight against white oppression, white leftists come to the table in solidarity, rather than come as silent aides, or the opposite-come and paternalistically and patronizingly appropriate the organization. Wilmot devotes a significant section of her book to highlighting and evaluating various anti-racist organizations and anti-racist educational resources in Canada, and she expounds on the various academic approaches to this portion of the book is a valuable tool for both novice and experienced anti-racist activists, and for a general or academic reader.

Genres: Race

176 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Drick]

Sheila Wilmot, is a long time anti-racist, feminist activist in Canada, who shares her perspective on what it means to be a white anti-racist today. While at times I found myself lost in her discussion of various leftist, socialist and anarchist groups, her title captures her perspective on how whites can best work along with people of color in social and political change efforts. As people of privilege whites must take responsibility for the power and access their skin color offers them, while at the same time listening to and when appropriate allowing people of color to set the agenda. This approach has long been advocated by Damascus Road, the anti racist network I am most closely connected with, so it was not new, but it was good refresher. As one who has studied the civil rights and anti-racist efforts in the United States, it was enlightening to hear of similar struggles north of the border.

[LSPIRG]

The book is about Sheila Wilmot's experiences working as an anti racist and social activist for people of color and the hard ships she faces from the same people she is trying to gain justice for because they assume she can be what she is because of her white privilege. Even though some of her experiences show that people take her more seriously or actually listen to her just because she is white and hence more credible, she has faced criticism from people of color who see her just as privileged as she can 'choose' to do what she is doing instead of being forced to be an activist. An interesting read from another perspective which shows racism or displeasure is basically a 2-way road.