KPFA - Against the Grain

Radical vs Liberal Antiracism

Feb 5, 2024

Arun Kundnani, an expert in racial politics and author, discusses liberal anti-racism versus radical anti-racism and critiques the efforts made to address systemic racism. The podcast explores the origins of anti-racism, the role of racial capitalism, and the need to dismantle barriers to wealth redistribution. It also delves into the level of repression faced by activists supporting Palestine and the alignment of liberal institutions with the far right.

29:16

Episode guests

Arun Kundnani

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Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Liberal anti-racism focuses on changing individual attitudes but neglects the systemic nature of racism within capitalist societies.

Racial capitalism demonstrates how racial divisions enable profit-making by exploiting and segregating the black working class.

Deep dives

The Legacy of Liberal Anti-Racism

Liberal anti-racism emerged in the 1930s as a response to rising racial prejudices and extremism. It focused on changing individual attitudes and biases through education and persuasion. However, this approach neglects the systemic and structural nature of racism embedded within capitalist societies. To truly address racism, collective action and organization are necessary, as power dynamics and social structures must be challenged. Transforming racism requires a long-term, disciplined struggle against a system that perpetuates racial inequality.

Introduction

3min

Radical vs Liberal Antiracism

4min

Repression and Intimidation Against Palestinian Supporters

15min

The Origins and Meaning of Anti-Racism

3min

Understanding and Addressing Systemic Racism

21min

Breakdown of Barriers to Wealth Redistribution

11min

Introduction to Aaron Kondinani and Sponsorship Message

2min

Following the mass George Floyd demonstrations, it appeared as if a racial reckoning was taking place in the United States, although of a puzzling nature. Amazon, Walmart, and other prominent corporations declared that Black Lives Mattered and dedicated funds to ostensibly address systemic racism. In cities across America, individuals denounced white silence and took on the task of scrutinizing interpersonal relationships for implicit racism. Arun Kundnani argues that such efforts are part of a tradition of liberal anti-racism, which he contrasts with the lineage of radical anti-racism forged against colonialism and capitalism.

Resources:

Arun Kundnani, What Is Antiracism? And Why It Means Anticapitalism Verso, 2023

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