Understanding Racism
June 2020
https://echochamberescape.com/2020/06/08/understanding-racism/
To start, come with an open heart and mind. It will get uncomfortable, because it will challenge your beliefs, perceptions and values.
Observe what is happening internally – what are your responses? What feelings are arising? Is there resistance/denial? e.g. “I’m not like that”? Acknowledge them. Everything is welcomed.
Steps that might be helpful:
Talk with people from diverse backgrounds, and listen. Ask questions. Be respectful. Be humble. Listening to their experience will challenge your perception.
Acknowledge the privilege that you hold. How can you use your privilege to support and lift others experiencing racism?
At work, engage and involve people of colour in decision-making processes, strategy development and water cooler conversations. Their contribution will add a different perspective to your workplace culture and operations.
Speak up. This has multiple effects:
You are standing with the person experiencing racism. This means a lot, as they may be experiencing shock, fear, vulnerability, anger or paralysis.
You are taking a stance that racism is not tolerated by you. By society. To stop racism in its tracks.
Modelling to observers that they too have the responsibility and to give them permission and courage to stand up.
