are not racist

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are not racist" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing or clarifying that someone or something does not exhibit racist behavior or attitudes. Example: "Despite the accusations, the organization insists that their policies are not racist and promote inclusivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are not racist.

Independent

"These people are not racist.

The Guardian

But we are not racist.

The Guardian - Opinion

It doesn't mean they are not racist.

The New York Times

The vast majority are not racist.

The Guardian - Sport

People are not racist on the whole.

The Guardian

"I will explain we are not racist," he said.

Independent

Republicans, he insists, are not racist and never have been.

The Economist

We are not racist for having different opinions.

The Washington Post

We are not racist or violent," said Simone di Stefano.

The Guardian

The vast majority of fans are not racist".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "are not racist", provide context or evidence to support the claim and demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity and equality.

Common error

Don't simply assert that someone or something "are not racist" without providing any supporting evidence or context. This can come across as defensive and unconvincing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are not racist" functions as a declarative statement used to deny or refute accusations of racism. As Ludwig indicates, this phrase is employed to clarify that an individual, group, or entity does not harbor racist beliefs or engage in racist behaviors. Examples show it used in response to allegations or to proactively assert a non-racist stance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

1%

Less common in

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are not racist" is a common declarative statement used to deny or refute accusations of racism. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and widely employed, especially in news and media. While frequently used, it's crucial to provide supporting evidence or context rather than relying solely on the assertion. Consider proactive alternatives like "are anti-racist" for a more impactful message. Remember that actions demonstrating inclusivity are more convincing than mere declarations. While the register is generally neutral, tailoring your language to the specific context is always advisable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are anti-racist

Implies active measures to combat racism, beyond simply not being racist.

are not motivated by racism

Clarifies that racism is not the driving factor behind actions or decisions.

are racially unbiased

Similar to 'free from racial bias' but emphasizes impartiality.

are free from racial bias

Emphasizes the absence of bias in a system or individual.

have no racist intent

Highlights the absence of racist motivation behind actions.

do not harbor racist views

Focuses on the internal state of holding racist beliefs, rather than outward actions.

reject racism

Highlights active opposition to racist ideologies.

oppose racism

A general statement of disagreement with racism.

are not prejudiced

Broader term encompassing various biases, not specifically racism.

do not discriminate

Focuses on actions of unfair treatment based on race.

FAQs

How can I use "are not racist" in a sentence?

You can use "are not racist" to deny accusations or clarify a stance, for example: "The organization insists that its policies "are not racist" and are designed to promote inclusivity."

What's a more formal alternative to "are not racist"?

More formal alternatives include "do not exhibit racism" or "are free from racial bias", which you can use to maintain a professional tone.

Is it sufficient to simply state that you "are not racist"?

While stating that you "are not racist" can be a starting point, it's more effective to demonstrate anti-racist actions and policies. Active measures speak louder than words.

What's the difference between "are not racist" and "are anti-racist"?

"Are not racist" implies a lack of racist beliefs or actions, while "are anti-racist" suggests actively working to dismantle racism and promote equality. The latter is a more proactive stance.