Standing Up to Hate: How to Understand and Cope with Bigotry and Racism
Standing Up to Hate: How to Understand and Cope with Bigotry and Racism
Bigotry and racism are difficult topics, but they’re too important to ignore. Every day, children, teens, and young Bigotry and racism are difficult topics, but they’re too important to ignore. Every day, children, teens, and young adults see or experience prejudice at school, online, or in their community. Sometimes it’s a cruel joke, a mean comment, or someone being left out because of their race or background.
These moments hurt. They can make you question your worth or your place in the world. But here’s what’s most important to know: hate isn’t about you, it’s about the person spreading it. People aren’t born hateful. They learn it. And just as hate can be learned, it can be unlearned, too.
At Dynamic Counseling Solutions, we want you to know that you are not powerless. You can learn to stand up to hate, protect your peace, and help make your world a kinder place.
What Is Bigotry and Racism?
Bigotry is having unfair, negative beliefs about people who are different. Racism is when those beliefs lead to discrimination, exclusion, or harm based on someone’s race or ethnicity.
Prejudice: a negative preconception or attitude toward members of a certain group. Prejudices can strongly influence how people behave and interact with others, specifically those who are different from them in some way. Prejudice is often subconscious and can affect people's behavior without them realizing it.
Common features of prejudice include:
Negative feelings
Sterotyped beliefs about members of a group
A tendency to discriminate against members of a group
Based on characteristics like race, sex, religion, culture
People may become prejudiced for many reasons:
Fear or ignorance – not understanding other people’s experiences, which can make them feel threatened. Prejudice can stem from a lack of information, and some people may choose to remain ignorant to maintain their prejudiced beliefs, which can make them feel superior.
Influence from family, peers, or social media – Prejudiced attitudes can be learned from family, friends, teachers, and the media. If prejudice is acceptable within a social group, there may be pressure to conform to those beliefs.
Seeking dominance– They seek to be dominant over others, seeing life as a competition, and belittling others helps them to think that they are winning.
Understanding why bigotry exists doesn’t make it okay, but it helps us see that hate comes from weakness, not power.
How Bigotry Affects You
When you experience or witness racism, it can cause feelings of:
Anger or frustration
Sadness or shame
Anxiety, fear, or helplessness
Feeling like you don’t belong
These feelings are valid. It’s normal to feel hurt or confused, but you don’t have to face it alone. Talking to someone, especially a therapist, can help you unpack those emotions in a safe space.
5 Ways to Deal with Racism in School
Here are some healthy ways to protect yourself and others when you face or witness racism:
1. Speak Up (Safely)
If you feel comfortable, let the person know their words or actions are not okay. You can say, “That comment is hurtful,” or “We don’t talk to people like that.”
If it feels unsafe to speak directly, tell a teacher, counselor, or trusted adult. Reporting racism isn’t “snitching” — it’s protecting your community.
2. Support Your Friends
If you see someone being targeted, check on them. Sit with them at lunch, send a message, or walk with them to class. A small act of kindness can make someone feel seen and supported.
3. Set Boundaries Online
Racism doesn’t just happen in person. If you see hate online, report it or block it. Protect your mental health by stepping away from toxic conversations.
4. Learn and Listen
The more you learn about different cultures and experiences, the harder it is for prejudice to take root. Listen to stories, ask questions respectfully, and keep your mind open.
5. Talk About It
If something hurtful happens, don’t bottle it up. Talk to a parent, school counselor, or therapist. Processing your emotions helps you stay strong and hopeful, instead of overwhelmed or angry.
How Therapy Helps You Heal from Hate
Therapy is more than just talking; it’s learning how to understand, process, and healthily release painful experiences.
If You’ve Been Hurt by Racism
A therapist can help you:
Express emotions like anger, sadness, or fear safely
Rebuild confidence and self-worth
Learn coping skills for anxiety or stress
Heal from trauma caused by bullying, discrimination, or exclusion
If You’ve Witnessed Racism
Therapy can help you explore how to support others, manage guilt or confusion, and learn how to stand up for what’s right in positive ways.
If You’ve Made Hurtful Comments or Judgments
Therapy isn’t about blame, it’s about growth. A counselor can help you understand where those beliefs came from, how to change them, and how to build empathy. Everyone is capable of change when they’re willing to learn.
Therapy helps you move from anger to understanding, from pain to purpose, and from division to compassion.
You’re Not Alone
Bigotry and racism hurt everyone, not just those targeted, but entire communities. The good news? We can all be part of the solution.
At Dynamic Counseling Solutions, we help children, teens, and young adults find healing, build confidence, and learn how to create change in themselves, their schools, and their communities.
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