RACISM: noun
the belief that all members of each race possess characteristics or abilities specific to that race, especially so as to distinguish it as inferior or superior to another race or races.
Three easy things we - each and all of us - can do right now to address if not remove racism in ourselves:
1. When encountering 'other' in your everyday life, smile and say hello as you pass by, just as you would a friend. You may make a new one.
2. Embrace 'curiosity' (non-judgment) about 'other'. See, hear and feel what's similar or recognizable and what's entirely new or maybe totally or only kind of different from you.
3. Read a book, see a film, listen to music by and/or about 'other'. Share your thoughts with others and invite them to do the same.
And, rather than generalize from an individual encounter, regard each as a unique window into an individual 'other' versus the definitive way that every 'other' is. One female, one Caucasian, one gay man, one pierced, tattooed teen... is not all females, all Caucasians, all gay men or all pierced, tattooed teens. You are your unique you, I am my unique me.
Curiously engaging 'other' one by one is racism's greatest enemy.
And our greatest potential for understanding and connection.
Let 'doing' initiate 'being' which will further promote 'doing' and 'being' and so on!
What else can we do? Please share your ideas and experiences below.
Opening the eyes of each and all of us,
Dana
p.s. I was inspired to write a blog today after reading this article in the online HuffPost: After Charleston, Americans Increasingly Concerned About Racism
p.s. I was inspired to write a blog today after reading this article in the online HuffPost: After Charleston, Americans Increasingly Concerned About Racism
Excellent blog, Dana! And your action steps are so simple and manageable yet open the door to positive change. Thanks for writing and sharing!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Stacy. Here's to opening the door.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! I was so weepy during the news coverage of that tragedy. It's been amazing to see what's happened with the flag and how speedily (despite African Americans having complained about it for generations) it was removed after the groundswell of emotion and other folks finally getting what it really represented.
ReplyDeleteThank goodness (and tragically, lives) that people are finally getting what it represented. And thank goodness that healing and reconciliation is possible. It's amazing to me that African Americans are willing and able to forgive and have the desire to connect. What lesson such actions are in love of self and love of other.
DeleteSimply and beautifully put. It's incumbent on all of us to explore people as individuals so that we understand what is behind the headline...and there are lots of those: tattooed, Caucasian, gay...or...brace yourself.... a political party you may not belong to!
ReplyDeleteWe must be learners...to knowing those different than we are.
Simple and direct -- perfect. It's a shame that these lives had to be lost for significant change to take place, but despite resistance, the flag came down and other changes are happening. We can all help, even in little ways day by day, and your blog points the way. Thanks.
ReplyDelete