After listening to so many white people over the years who are either beholden to network producer programming or actually oblivious, I was inspired to invite some of the people in my life to put their voice into the conversation.
These are my friends who I believe operate in the world in an equitable manner. That does not mean that they have arrived in their understanding. In my experience, they are able to have a discussion about race that rises out of who they know themselves to be. They aren't performing or pretending. In my life, they are tried and true. This doesn't mean that my observation of them gives them any stamp of approval for anyone else to engage. I am speaking of my own experiences with them.
I highly recommend the work of Dr. Kenneth Hardy with regard to understanding the psychological constructs of race and systemic racism. I am also thankful that a space was provided for them to hear from some likeminded white people. If you are aware of how it is for us to engage exhausting white people, imagine how it is for them? They rarely engage them even more than we don't because they are with white people more than we could ever be. Some have disconnected from families of origin and some levels of financial security because of their convictions.
I am thankful for the very small percentage of white people, who from generation to generation show up to society with the wherewithal to bring themselves to this conversation with integrity, accountability and responsibility. Look out for Part 2 after this look at Part 1!
* I note that the generic depiction of the multi-dimensional view of self is depicted by a light skinned (comparatively white) avatar.
Comments