Question: Could you classify the term 'people of color' as racist? Unless it means all people on the globe, i feel it divides groups of people & I think that the term , People of Colour is a racist term in itself...

• Speaker's answer: "I think a case could certainly be made that “people of colour” is a problematic term, as it carries within it the racist assumption that northern Europeans are the human “default”. The issue with race being so engrained in how we talk about human variation is that it becomes difficult to discuss such matters without utilising its categories. It has been the case for a long time that the category of “white” has dominant in many societies, although it has varied who were seen as belonging within it. It has also been the case that those who were not counted as white were disadvantaged, and their non-whiteness has affected their experiences. Biologically, people of colour makes little sense, but sociologically, we need a language to describe these socially constructed categories. I don’t think there are any terms utilised that are good, but as of now, people of colour is one of the less bad."

Question: How can we, as part of the "majority society", defend the increase in overt racism, both on a personal and structural level? Speaking out, demonstrating, etc. no longer seems to be enough.

• Speaker's answer: "I assume the questioner means defend against. I wish I had an easy answer, but these issues are extremely complex. We seem to be in an extremely vicious cycle now where politics becomes increasingly polarized, driving each side into the extremes. The more polarised it becomes, the angrier each side gets with the other, pushing each further to the fringes. Traditional conservatives are being replaced by alt-right, populist or neo-fascist voices as the mainstream on the right. Such parties are typically borderline incompetent at actual governance, instead utilising animus towards their “enemies” as source of political capital. They simultaneous demand expressions of political orthodoxy, where anyone who doesn’t agree is framed as an enemy as well. Such discourse both feeds on and feeds animus towards minorities in the general population. One plausible explanation for the populist wave is the falling standards of living and increasing socioeconomic inequalities. Such issues always increase a populations’ animus towards minorities, and the cost-of-living crisis could not have come at a worse time in this regard.

   

  Structurally, the most efficacious counters to racism seem to be reducing socioeconomic inequalities and increasing contact between groups. However, developments seem to go in the opposite direction. The future is notoriously difficult to predict, but I will be surprised if the global situation does not get worse before it gets better.

   

  Individually, on a smaller scale, there can be more opportunities to enact change. Calling out racism is useful, but I think this is often done wrong. Reacting emotionally with someone, calling them racist or fascist is unlikely to work. Chances are, this will get them to double down, pushing them more towards the fringes. Reacting calmy and kindly, but having facts on your side is more likely to yield results."

  
  

For the distraction strategy, what do you think of pretending to know the victim? I have often seen it recommended

• Yes it is totally fine and a very good option

How do we help the victim after we have intervened or maybe reported the harassment?

• There are a lot of things you can do. You can stay close to the victim showing support and empathy and telling the victim that you believe her and you are an ally you can rely on. A professional support, if wanted can help

How should you respond/act if the top-level employer wants to sweep an uncomfortable issue under the rug?

• It is advisable to contact the protection bodies within the institution and follow the procedures indicated. If these do not lead to any result, one can always resort — depending on the specifics of the case — to external support, whether legal and/or psychological