I have the distinct memory of reading about color blindness in college and while I don’t remember much, I have the memory that it was a positive thing that was needed.! That was about 20 years ago!
I think the description of white privilege was written so clearly here: “a knapsack of benefits of which the holder could remain oblivious. Yet the processor of the knapsack of privilege could depend on the advantages they provide, even though she or he remains unaware of them” and “ whites can claim they do not discriminate because they often do not think in racial terms” (64) but that is because there is no need since we float through life, in some senses, due to privilege.
For example, White entitlement is strong here in the States. These are things I never noticed or considered before moving overseas. We tend to not respect those of other cultures and hold ourselves with an heir that exudes “you dare question me?” or “you better respect me.” It’s not okay! I thought this when reading the paragraph about those in service positions like when we get a mani or pedi. We might not speak their language, but an acknowledging smile or a hello goes a long way.
Until we acknowledge and interact with how the chips are stacked and that there is inequality in education (and other areas) for people of color, things will remain the way they are. This is something I want to examine more so that I can address it within myself and my community the best I can: “As long as educators…and students fail to question the dynamics of whiteness and privilege in anti discrimination law, the legal system will reinscribe that privilege and perpetuate discrimination” (65). These are the questions for which I want the answers.
It is understandable that white people ‘fear creating the impression that why are ‘insensitive or prejudice’ (I ALWAYS FEEL THAT WAY BEFORE OPENING MY MOUTH!) but when we remain in that state of mind, it could paralyze us from learning. This posture is self-fish and crippling to society because if we don’t push through our possibly trivial (in comparison to some other stories/experiences) discomfort to understand others doesn’t seem like much. A willingness to listen, even if we don’t agree with everything states, will help us grow and help change.
We always teach kids to be empathetic or think about: “Would you like it if X did Y to you?” Or even if B does C, it doesn’t make it right, it’s not an excuse. You should do what is right and act out of integrity.” If we teach and even require that of children, should we not do the same?. “Ignoring race may cause unintended harm as the dynamics of racial hierarchy continue in people of color’s daily live”s (67). Let’s not be scared to venture outside of our story and instead look through another lens than we are used to.
Assuming that race or diversity talks are difficult for most everyone, I think that there is a time and place for scaffolding conversations. For example, I think there is a time that groups should be separated by likeness so they can speak freely and ask questions. “Fear leads to a tendency to avoid discussion of race altogether” so when we set up an atmosphere that makes people feel safe, more learning through authentic conversation will take place (69). I also think there is a time and place to have mixed groups of stories to learn from each other because if we only surround ourselves with like groups, we won’t learn from others’ experiences.
I appreciated reading the section on observations. Since having more experience participating in diversity talks, I am more aware of my surroundings and how I am treated and it has created a pause to analyze my motives on certain actions or thoughts.
For example, when living in the Dominican Republic, I had a man skip the Dominican man and Haitian man who were in front of me to help me. I told him to take the Haitian man was first but he took the Dominican man since he knew I wasn’t going to allow myself to be first. It is my understanding through speaking with my Dominican husband and others from there that In the DR, there is a strong sense of the power of shades due to the history between the two countries.
As far as stateside, another awareness I have is that my receipts are usually checked when leaving Walmart.
If we only knew the story of those in front of us….. I have so many parents (of my students) who are lawyers and doctors and so forth in their heart countries, but here they cannot carry that out (due to, in my opinion, institutionalism), so they are looked down on. My husband sat in an English class at a local library and he said it was infuriating.”Does she know who she is talking to? We are not babies learning to move our lips. We are educated. We are learning a second language.” He was put off by the condescending tone.
We need to get to know the people around us. To ignore their race is to ignore their story and is to ignore them as a human. As stated by Mellody Hobson, president and co-CEO of Ariel Investments, We need to be purposeful and intentional in getting to know people. We need to get comfortable with being uncomfortable.
“We advocate for the application of color insight rather than color blindness as an approach to thinking about race. Color insight does not provide a magic wand that dispenses with racism, but it does offer a vocabulary and some significant points of entry for deeper conversation” (76). Let’s not be afraid to connect through vulnerable conversations.
No comments:
Post a Comment