Explaining behavioral racism, Dr. Kendi defines it as the idea of “making individuals responsible for the perceived behavior of racial groups and making whole racial groups responsible for the behavior of individuals.” Individuals are responsible for their actions and behavior, and that is what can shape their success or failure.  Qualities cannot be ascribed to an entire group. He discussed the differences between behavior and culture. Groups might share common traditions and experiences which does not necessarily define the behavior of an entire group or race. Sometimes groups of different races might share common traditions and experiences while members of the same group or groups might not share those traditions or experiences. “Antiracism means separating the idea of a culture from the idea of behavior” Kendi, (p. 95).

      As Dr. Kendi discussed, powerful political figures including former presidents were guilty of behavioral racism. From biological racism to cultural racism, even progressives with good intentions have in different times in history used racist idea to advocate for the blacks. “Abolitionists- or, rather, progressive assimilationists- conjured what I call the oppression inferiority thesis. In their well-meaning efforts to persuade Americans about the horrors of oppressions, assimilationists argue that oppression has degraded the behaviors of oppressed people” Kendi, (p. 96).  

     A current day example discussed by Dr. Kendi as well-intentioned effort that furthers behavioral racism is the work to improve “achievement gap”. The standardized test is used to measure students’ performance that determines students’ level of achievement. “The use of standardized tests to measure aptitude and intelligence is one of the most effective racist policies ever devised to degrade black minds and legally exclude black bodies” Kendi, (p. 101).  

     On the other hand, throughout history some groups have also intentionally used science to falsely claim whites are more intelligent than other races or blacks have lower IQ than others. The standardized test’s original motive was racist. There is no one group that is more intelligent or lazier than others. Individuals, however, can be more intelligent or lazier as individuals. Dr. Kenid advocates for “opportunity gap” instead of the racist achievement gap. “What if we realized the best way to ensure an effective educational system is not by standardizing our curricula and tests but standardizing the opportunities available to all students?” Kendi, (p. 103).  

Dr. Kendi ends this chapter discussing his success in a black led institution and his experience at one of the most prominent Historically Black Universities- Florida’s A&M University.

 

Reference: 

Kendi, Ibrah X., How to be antiracist. One World, 2019.