Racism is Not a Thing of the Past

We like to believe that we have conquered racism. There is no such thing as being pulled over by the police for driving while being brown anymore, right? Click here to read the story about Nubia Escobedo from November 16, 2017.

We all hoped bias against black children in school was gone in the 1960’s.  Not so. The reality is quite different. Read this article in the American Bar Association’s Journal about its impact today.

When I think of the size of this problem I am overwhelmed into inaction. What can I do…no, what can all of us do about this pervasive issue? Here are some suggestions from Ester Leutenberg and John Liptak from their workbook, Social Well-Being that we can all manage.

AWARENESS

• Become more aware of your own perceptions and biases. Think about your biggest bias when it comes to diversity and whether it is valid for ALL people.
• Observe and listen when speaking with people from cultures different from your own in order to become more aware of their values, beliefs, customs and feelings.
• Do not view everyone from the same point of reference. Instead, have empathy and attempt to “put yourself in the shoes” of other people when communicating.
• Be aware of the differences in the ways that people from various cultures communicate.
• Meet people from other cultures, take time to learn about them, and share your experiences.

RESPECT

• Treat everyone the way that you want to be treated.
• Give equal consideration and understanding of the viewpoints of others, and value those views with equal importance.
• Be open-minded and non-judgmental when communicating with people from backgrounds different from your own. Think about how you can be more open-minded and non-judgmental.
• Develop an awareness of how cultural differences make life more exciting. Think about how boring life would be if everyone were the same. Make a plan to experience and explore cultural differences.
• Allow yourself to experience things that are different from what you are accustomed to.

VALUE

• Diversity enriches your life. Think about some of the ways it does.
• You learn the most from people whose beliefs, perspectives, and experiences are different from yours.
• Diversity challenges stereotypes, encourages critical thinking, and prepares you for a global society and economy.
• Diversity prepares you to be a good global citizen who is ready for a complex and pluralistic society.
• People with different backgrounds, skills and experiences bring new ideas and fresh perspectives to all facets of life and career.

Try these easy suggestions above. They are great starting place for what should be a life-long effort for change.

For a different spin on the issue read this article about white fragility.