The Human Rights Commission has produced a guide on 5 common Myths and Misconceptions about Racism. Each of these is explained further and are listed as:
- Misconception that racism is about individual actions and beliefs
- The myth of meritocracy
- Misconception of not “seeing” race
- The myth that “racism is a thing of the past”
- Misconceptions about anti-racism
![Introduction graphic on the 5 myths and misconceptions about racism.](https://i0.wp.com/universaldesignaustralia.net.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Social_Cover.webp?resize=660%2C660&ssl=1)
British colonisation has shaped the way we talk about race and racism in Australia and has ongoing impacts. The Australian Human Rights Commission’s (AHRC) guide is one of self-reflection and education. It aims to support and enhance understandings of race, racisim, and anti-racism. It asks us to stop and think about the various opinions, stories and terms used and think critically about the myths and misconceptions.
Many ideas predate colonisation in Australia built upon re-existing ideas of racial hierarchies that classified humans based on physical difference. The result is ongoing structural and systemic racism. These deeply rooted myths prevent productive conversations to address racism.
“Anti-racism involves actively working to challenge racist policies, practices, culture, and ideas. It requires more than being “not racist”. It involves active decisions that seek to combat injustice and promote racial equity. Developing an anti-racism skillset and practice is an important part of promoting a better and more equitable society.
![Myth 4 graphic. The myth that racism is a thing of the past. A woman is taking a photo of a grave headstone as if it were an historical artifact.](https://i0.wp.com/universaldesignaustralia.net.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Social_Myth-racism-4.webp?resize=660%2C660&ssl=1)
It would be useful to have a briefer document with just the key points, although there is an accessible Word version. Concepts and terminology are explained in detail, and the five myths and misconceptions are challenged, explained and discussed.
The AHRC acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land, sea, waterways, and sky throughout Australia and pays respect to First Nations Elders past and present. Saltwater People designed the guide.