This section presents terms and phrases that are central to understanding the text and may present a challenge to the reader. Use this list to create a vocabulary quiz or worksheet, to prepare flashcards for a standardized test, or to inspire classroom word games and other group activities.

1. antiracist (adjective):

characterized by an opposition to racism and a promotion of equality

“A racist idea is any idea that suggests something is wrong or right, superior or inferior, better or worse about a racial group. An antiracist idea is any idea that suggests that racial groups are equal.” (Introduction, Page xi)

2. segregationist (noun):

an individual who believes in a policy that enforces the separation of racial groups

“Segregationists are haters. Like real haters. People who hate you for not being like them.” (Chapter 1, Page 3)

3. assimilationist (noun):

an individual who believes racial or cultural out-groups should adopt the cultural traditions and attitudes of a dominant in-group

“Assimilationists are people who like you, but only with quotation marks. Like…‘like’ you. Meaning, they ‘like’ you because you’re like them.” (Chapter 1, Page 3)

4. benevolent (adjective):

well-meaning and marked by a sense of goodwill

“It’s like saying, ‘I look at my dog like I look at my children, even though I’ve trained by dog to fetch my paper by beating it and yanking its leash.