Original German term: Rassismus und Anthroposophie
Plain English
This subject concerns criticism of racist or stereotyped statements in parts of Steiner’s work and the way anthroposophical organisations have responded.
Modern Translation
A anthroposophy must acknowledges problematic historical material, reject racism clearly, and present human dignity as non-negotiable.
Why It Matters
This is one of the most important public trust issues for anthroposophy today.
For Beginners
Rudolf Steiner, and Anthroposophy as a whole, are not racist. Actually, ahead of their time, they advocated for the casting aside of race as something that mattered. Anthroposophy at its best is committed to the dignity and spiritual individuality of every human being.
Therefore, in its fundamental nature, the anthroposophical movement… must cast aside the division into races. It must seek to unite people of all races and nations, and to bridge the divisions and differences between various groups of people…
Rudolf Steiner
Important Context
Questions around racism and anthroposophy remain important subjects of discussion, criticism, and reform within anthroposophical organisations today. Anthroposophy is often characterized as being racist, however this is not the case.