Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash
“The beauty of anti-racism is that you don’t have to pretend to be free of racism to be an anti-racist. Anti-racism is the commitment to fight racism wherever you find it, including in yourself. And that’s the only way forward.”—Ijeoma Oluo
Anti-racism brings hope.
For whatever reason, the horrific murder of George Floyd has captured the deep, widespread anger and grief of the nation in a way that equally horrific racist murders of months and years past have not. People of all ages and ethnicities have taken to the streets, the airways, social media. Their responses have been prolonged, eloquent, everywhere. They are saying, “Enough! No more!” All over the country, organizations are stepping up. Local governments and Legislators and police departments are starting to implement changes.
The blatant disparity in the impact of Covid -19 on white people and African American and Latinx people has fueled this outrage as well. In my own county, 75% of the people who’ve gotten Covid-19 are Latinx, although they are only 23% of the population.
This disproportionate impact is finally sparking widespread outrage. And, this new awareness brings hope that we may finally see the change and equal justice in policing, in healthcare, in employment and educational opportunities that have been so long denied.
Inner change as well as outer
Along with crucially important activism and fighting for legislation, we each have to start in our own hearts and minds to create lasting change around racism. Just as our attitudes, believes, assumptions can impede good communication and conflict management, in a prejudiced society, most of us have attitudes, fears, beliefs that are racist (and sexist and homophobic), regardless of what groups we ourselves are members of.
How can we change ourselves?
- Take a deep breath and recognize the truth within
I recognize that I, like most of us, was carefully taught racism. It is encoded in our government, in our institutions, in much of the media. These racist images, language, assumptions surround us and get embedded in our psyches, even if we are a member of a target group. And I, as a white person, can take for granted the privilege I have . I can begin to look at my own unconscious racist thoughts, assumptions, behavior. Yes, sometimes I am racist in my thoughts and behavior. This doesn’t make me a bad person, only imperfect and mistaken. I can be humbly teachable.
- Listen (and read) to understand—with curiosity and empathy
When I respectfully listen to and read about the experience and understanding of others, accepting their perspective and their truth, my world and my ability to be an ally expand. I can apply my new understanding to policies and procedures at work to ensure fair hiring and mentoring, to make sure everyone’s voice and creative ideas are included, in political organizing, in leadership and outreach by non-profits, to give just a few examples. As a woman and a Jewish lesbian, I am aware of some forms of prejudice, but that doesn’t automatically give me insight into the oppression of others.
3. Be consistent and persistent.
We can’t have a new awareness or change our behavior once and expect it to “stick.” It takes ongoing, persistent effort on our part. But, I know that when I commit to this inner change as well as outer action, to fighting racism within me and in society, I am set free. I can become an effective anti-racist.
A few resources for becoming a white anti-racist:
Books:
White Fragility—Robin DiAngelo
How to Be an Antiracist—Ibram X Kendi
So You Want to Talk about Race– Ijeoma Oluo
Websites and articles:
The National Museum of African American History and Culture
First, Listen. Then, Learn: Anti-Racism Resources For White People—Forbes Magazine
Corporate Responses to Racial Injustice
Target, Don’t Tell Me You Stand with Black Families
Photo by Adam Bouse on Unsplash
Lorraine Segal has a deep passion for helping people in organizations and corporations communicate better, resolve conflicts, let go of resentments, and deal with bullying. The goal: to create a more harmonious and productive workplace. Through her business, Conflict Remedy, Lorraine creates customized training and coaching programs for non-profit organizations, corporations, and government agencies. She is also lead instructor for the Conflict Management Certificate, a professional development program at Sonoma State University. She is a contributing author to the recent book, Stand Up, Speak Out Against Workplace Bullying. She writes a blog through her Conflict Remedy website and was recently listed as one of the Top Conflict Management experts to follow on LinkedIn. Contact Lorraine at https://ConflictRemedy.com for more information, to request a free consultation for you and your organization or to sign up for her newsletter.
