TRP Feature: Anya Bolshakov, Houston, Texas, USA
TRP: What is your definition of racism?
AB: For me, racism is the belief that a person's race defines who they are. This can be both positive and negative; believing that everyone of a certain race possess certain characteristics or abilities leads to the belief that one race is inferior (or superior) to other races. While racism may have positive effects for one group, it is my belief that racism negatively affects society as a whole. But for the definition of race, if you look up linguistically where “race” comes from, it’s used to specify a “class, family, or clan.” So because race is a socially constructed term, people cannot be “racist” against white people. White pretty much is the absence of race. So you can’t be “racist” towards a white person, you can only be “prejudiced.”
TRP: Define a time when you experienced racism (if applicable).
AB: I've only seen racism happen onto others, that's not my story to tell.
TRP: What are your thoughts on reverse racism?
AB: Basically, racism is systematic. People like to claim “reverse racism” when a single transgression is done against them. This isn’t racism, that’s life. There is no war on white people, it just doesn’t exist.
TRP: Do you believe racism can be eradicated? If so, how? If not, why?
AB: I don't think racism can be eradicated completely, and that thought is upsetting - but I do think negative racism and the influence racism has on our everyday decisions can. People will always have stereotypes and beliefs about people, I think that comes from the human desire to separate, classify and understand. However, through education, I believe we can make it so that our decisions in life (and mostly decisions in policy) are not led by racist motives or beliefs.
TRP: What role are you playing in educating privileged America on racism?
AB: I personally am having those uncomfortable conversations with people, making them think introspectively on their own words and views. "Why did you say that? Why do you think that? How does that affect others? What do you think are the societal constructs that have led you to that belief?" I've seen many people who believe that some people are "too far gone" or will never change, and of course they are if you aren't willing to talk to them about what they are feeling and what they were taught to believe.
TRP: Why is it important for us to talk about racism?
AB: Not talking about racism is submitting to racism and letting it flourish; it's sitting on the sidelines and watching life unfold. While not every conversation on racism will change someone's mind, at least you tried, and you never know what will happen - that's how change starts, little by little.
Anastasia Bolshakov is a first generation Russian-American (Texan). She majored in Political Science and Asian Studies, and minored in Sociology at Rice University in Houston, Texas. She's passionate about social justice issues, feminism and squirrels.
