Antiracist Baby
Antiracist Baby
Ibram X. Kendi
Ashely Lukashevsky
Puffin, 2021
32pp., pbk., RRP $A16.99
9780241512388
“Antiracist Baby is bred, not born.”
Beginning with this premise, this book takes the reader through nine steps to ensure that they and their offspring can learn how to be tolerant, compassionate individuals “to make equity a reality.”
- Open your eyes to all skin colours
- Use your words to talk about race.
- Point at policies as the problem, not people.
- Shout. There’s nothing wrong with the people.”
- Celebrate all our difference.
- Knock down the stack of cultural blocks.
- Confess when being racist.
- Grow to be antiracist.
- Believe we shall overcome racisms.
Each principle is expanded by a rhyming couplet and, given the recent disclosures within the Royal Family as well as this being Harmony Day, there is scope for discussion and debate as we are encouraged to consider the things we say and do, often without thought, that could be deemed racist by another. The author has included additional discussion prompts to help readers recognise and reflect on bias in their daily lives as well links to US organisations that can offer more support. A teachers’ guide is also available.
Despite looking like and being promoted as a book for babies, this is more one for those who understand the concept of racism already and are ready to learn more. Reviews are very mixed mostly because while the intentions and purpose are valid, the confusion over who the intended audience is, is strong.