Dr. Mahdis Azarmandi from the University of Canterbury examines racism and anti-racism

An analysis of racism from Dr Mahdis Azarmandi at the University of Canterbury's Raising the Bar Christchurch 2023.

Hear Dr. Mahdis Azarmandi in this highlight from the University of Canterbury's Raising the Bar Christchurch 2023

What do we mean when we say racism? And how do we fight and challenge it?

Dr. Mahdis Azarmandi discusses why it's difficult to talk about racism and how to make sense of the often-misunderstood idea of 'race'. The opening of her talk is aimed at defining, understanding, and analysing what racism is, exploring the Spanish "conquest" of the Americas and the theological arguments which provided cover for slavery. Jim Crow laws in the southern USA and apartheid in South Africa are explored because of their connection to the pseudoscience of racial theory.

Later, her talk concentrates on what it means to pay more than lip service to being 'anti-racist.'

She argues that being anti-racist requires us to actively challenge white supremacy, and examine our own lives for examples of unrecognised racism. She says that education which results in just raising awareness is not enough. Instead, it's time to translate ideas into actions which dismantle the colonial status quo.

About the speaker

Dr Mahdis Azarmandi

Mahdis Azarmandi is a Senior Lecturer in Educational Studies and Leadership at the University of Canterbury. After obtaining her PhD from the National Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Otago, she held a position as Assistant Professor at DePauw University. She has also taught in Germany and Denmark. Her research looks at anti-racism and colonial amnesia in Aotearoa New Zealand and Spain. Her research interests are at the intersection of race critical, decolonial theory & peace studies. She also researches on anti-racism and politics of memory.

This session is broadcast in association with the University of Canterbury's Raising the Bar Christchurch night, held in May 2023

Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details