The
Project
DARE
to CHANGE THE WORLD
Tackling racism and discrimination is a formidable task, but it’s essential for creating a more just and equitable world. True progress will come from a concerted effort to dismantle entrenched structural, institutional and societal racism and discrimination that has existed for centuries, and continues to inflict deep harm today.
Where to start
There are a variety of steps one can take to drive meaningful change. Here are a few:
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Education and Awareness:
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Learn: Educate ourselves about the historical roots of racism and discrimination. Understand how these systems have shaped our society.
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Listen: Amplify the voices of those who have experienced racism firsthand. Engage in conversations with empathy and openness.
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Challenge: Question our own biases and assumptions. Unlearn harmful stereotypes and actively seek out diverse perspectives.
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Advocacy and Action:
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Advocate: Support policies and initiatives that promote equality and justice. Use our voices to advocate for change.
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Act: Take concrete actions in our daily lives. Speak up against discrimination, whether it’s in our workplaces, schools, or communities.
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Empower: Empower marginalized communities by creating spaces for their voices to be heard. Collaborate with organizations working toward equity.
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Community Building:
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Connect: Build bridges across different communities. Foster understanding and solidarity.
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Celebrate: Celebrate diversity and cultural richness. Learn from each other’s traditions and experiences.
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Organize: Participate in events, workshops, and dialogues that promote inclusivity and understanding.
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Long-Term Commitment:
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Persist: Recognize that dismantling racism is an ongoing process. It requires sustained effort and commitment.
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Hold Accountable: Hold institutions, leaders, and ourselves accountable for creating a more just and equitable world.
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Remember, every small action contributes to the larger movement. Let’s work together to create a future where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
TOGETHER, WE CAN BUILD SOMETHING BETTER.
HOPE not hate represents a value system, a framework for society and how we want to live our lives within that. It is about community not individuals; peace not conflict; solidarity not self-interest; respect not abuse; resilience not fragmentation; togetherness not isolation; collaboration not competition.
Some suggestions for
how we can do better.
IDEAS FOR IMPROVEMENT
Check Your Premise!
It may be misguided.
The premise that only ‘white’ people can harbour racist beliefs is fundamentally flawed. Racism, in its truest form, is a systemic power structure that transcends individual prejudices and encompasses a broader societal framework. It’s not confined to any one racial group, although its impacts are profoundly asymmetrical.
Racism is often misunderstood as merely a collection of individual prejudices. However, this view overlooks the systemic nature of racism, which is woven into the very fabric of societal institutions and historical contexts. It is symptomatic of a deeper, more pervasive issue — the discomfort in confronting ingrained biases and systemic inequality.
It’s easier to dig your heels in and scream
“I am NOT racist, you are,” rather than say,
“Why did he say that? Let me learn more about why I was offended by that.”
Empathy and Understanding:
The key to unravelling racism
To effectively address racism, empathy and understanding are indispensable. Empathy involves stepping into another’s shoes, feeling their struggles, and recognizing their humanity. It’s about seeing beyond our own experiences and acknowledging the diverse realities of others.
Engaging in open, honest dialogue is crucial. It’s not about proving who’s right but about listening, learning, and growing. Conversations about racism should aim to enlighten and bridge gaps, not deepen divides. What is needed is more thoughtful and constructive discourse.
Challenge systemic racism
Acknowledging the harm of personal racism is an essential first step, but it is not the solution to mitigating racial disparities in our society. That requires having uncomfortable conversations about the way systems perpetuate racial inequality, regardless of the personal, racial attitudes of those in positions of power. It means re-evaluating the efficacy and legitimacy of systems that perpetuate inequality. Until more are willing to acknowledge the lasting impact of institutional racism, we will keep missing the forest for the trees. And that’s unfortunate because we need to see both to chart a path forward.
Combating systemic racism requires systemic solutions. It means rethinking our educational, legal, and social institutions to root out ingrained biases. It’s about policy changes, sure, but it’s also about the daily work of challenging our own assumptions and learning from those who have different experiences.
Our journey to a more empathetic society starts with self-reflection and a commitment to self-improvement. We must be willing to examine our own biases and learn continuously. Advocacy is also crucial — speaking out against injustices and striving for meaningful change.
A better future will take collective effort
The fight against racism is a collective responsibility. It calls for a united front, irrespective of our racial backgrounds, to build a society where empathy and understanding triumph. This journey is challenging and ongoing, but it’s essential for a just and equitable world.
Our commitment to challenging discrimination and promoting equity is essential for creating a more just and compassionate world.
Deepen your understanding of the themes mentioned above with “Workbook, Challenging Discrimination and Implicit Bias.”
This resource offers practical exercises and insights for actively combating racism and bias.
The Implicit Bias Workbook offers a valuable opportunity for providers to reflect on their own implicit biases in a safe and contained manner. For service providers, understanding and addressing implicit bias is crucial for providing equitable care to marginalized communities. Here are some key aspects covered in the workbook:
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Terminology: The workbook begins by clarifying essential terms related to bias and oppression.
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Exploring Implicit Bias: It delves into the concept of implicit bias, which refers to unconscious attitudes or stereotypes that influence our behavior.
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Systems of Oppression: The workbook examines how systems of oppression contribute to implicit bias.
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Exploring Explicit Bias: Explicit biases are also explored, emphasizing conscious attitudes and beliefs.
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Reflection and Application: Providers engage in reflection and develop strategies to serve clients more effectively.
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Conclusion: The workbook concludes with insights and resources for further learning.
Implicit bias, once made explicit, allows us to make more conscious choices in our actions. With the help of this workbook, service providers can enhance their ability to provide compassionate and unbiased care to those they serve.
Racism and discrimination are holding us back. In some ways, we are our own worst enemy. An openness to what 'others' can bring to the table can make all the difference - if we only let it.
There are many ways in which we can work to improve ourselves and, by extension, the world.
This section offers a few.
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Be open to changing your mind.
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Don’t ask people why they believe something,
but rather how they came to that position, step-by-step. That may allow people to more easily modify their position.
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Ask yourself: When was the last time that I challenged myself on what I think? Avoid protecting what may be your limited worldview and stunting your emotional and intellectual growth.
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Think about how you can approach polarization without seeming patronizing:
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Look for shared ground
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Shift from a winning mindset to one of curiosity – what can I learn; avoid a zero sum, winner-take-all mentality; avoid a binary scenario (good/evil, etc.)
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Pursue openness, humility and self-reflection.
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Consider how we might make our spaces and places accessible to people of all backgrounds, races, ages and abilities.
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Work towards liberating yourself from being an oppressor.
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Try to help others in your group understand how oppression works.
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Listen, listen, listen, listen, listen ……..
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Keep in mind that we are all products of our environment, and that we learn our values, behaviours, attitudes, and beliefs from the worlds in which we grow up.
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Remember that everyone in the oppressor group is part of the oppression and that the process of unlearning oppression is never finished.
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Realize that feeling guilty is very unhelpful for everyone and that a useful role is to take part in the struggle to end oppression.
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Try not to be defensive and deny responsibility for oppressive acts, but ask questions and learn more about the oppression that is going on in a particular situation.
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Count your privileges; keep a list.
Break the invisibility of privilege.
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If you hear an oppressive comment or see an example of oppression at work, try to speak up first.
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Try to avoid the trap of “knowing what is good for them” for members of oppressed groups.
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Join with other members of oppressor groups in the journey of unlearning oppression and working towards change.
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Learn what you can about an oppressed group – read, ask questions, listen. But do not necessarily expect everybody in the group to be willing to teach you now that you are ready to learn.
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Be yourself.
Do not try to claim the roots and connections that a history of oppression can give to a community if it is not your own. The best thing you can do is to dig into your roots, history, and connections.
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Inform yourself.
Be more racially aware. Be better educated about racism. Seek out information from books, websites, films, and other available resources. Demand that we are given this information in school.
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Be open to knowing others.
We could become a more accepting and loving society by learning about the perspective of 'The Other.' The inherent presumption is that when people get to know others who are not like them, they will "humanize" them rather than shun, fear, and demonize them.
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Treat people as individuals.
One of the most effective ways to weaken the automatic categorization of someone as a 'Them' is to first recognize them as an individual rather than as part of a larger group.
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Get involved.
Get involved with multiracial organizations and white organizations working for social justice.
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In addressing racism in others, frame your response and comments as your own personal insights. Point the finger inward, not outward.
po·lar·iza·tion
NOUN
division into two sharply contrasting groups or sets of opinions or beliefs
What if, instead of hating each other's beliefs, we learned more about where they come from?
A Tool for Understanding.
Like a lot of folks, I occasionally hear people espouse values and beliefs different and often counter to my own. When I was young, I didn’t understand this. Many of these beliefs and positions seemed irrational to me. How could people believe such crazy things? But as I read, traveled and met more people, I learned that values and convictions that might seem strange to me often serve a purpose for others.
Shared beliefs can foster a sense of community, or provide meaning in people’s lives. It seems that we as humans have evolved to need something that provides unity and cohesion. Sometimes that might be liking the same songs or movies. Or, if that means believing in statues that cry or space aliens, well, okay, maybe no harm done.
I have come to sense that I, too, might harbor some odd beliefs — and, like others, I come up with convoluted rationalizations for them. I have a set of values that, to me, should be seen as self evident and should therefore be adopted by everyone. But if we’re going to find common ground and live together, we need to at least attempt to understand the mindsets of the people who think differently from us.
Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks characterized a hatred of difference — antisemitism being the paradigmatic example — as an assault on our humanity, whose “cure will only come when human beings learn not to fear or be threatened by those who are not like us; i.e. when we learn to respect and recognize the dignity of difference.”
A better “understanding” of “the other side” might alleviate some of the torment that exists on both sides of the divide when we think about the manifold and varied intolerances that presently exist.
So what is the solution? Some believe it lies in giving people who are willing to examine their prejudices an opportunity to recognize their own intolerances, cultivate an understanding of how their intolerances adversely affect others, and appreciate the dignity of difference.
Changing someone's mind is possible, but it's not easy and it's not frequent.
Some thoughts on
Psychology teaches us that the most effective way to change someone’s mind is not to present them with rational arguments or beat false beliefs out of them.
It’s to appeal to their emotions and offer empathetic encouragement.
One question you might ask yourself is, to what degree am I committed to respectful disagreement and civil rights? Can I see an opponent’s position not as I justify it for them, but as they justify it for themselves?
The way to do that is by committing to a few core axioms. These include:
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The moral outrage and righteous indignation that allow us to dismiss and demonize people who disagree come from some value, principle, or belief we’re holding onto as certain, or given.
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Certainty (or, The Certainty Trap) leads us to both stop asking questions and to be sloppy in our thinking. As in, why do I have to be clear or explicit in my reasons if they’re so obvious?
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The solution to the problem of certainty is to both recognize the uncertainty in what we know about the world and to be precise in our thinking.
That means that when we disagree with someone—especially on a heated topic—we do so in a way that specifies which principle or value of ours is being violated. Here’s an example:
Let’s say I’m talking with someone who doesn’t think women should be allowed to drive. And I don’t agree with this. A commitment to me means hanging my argument on “I think women should have equal rights under the law,” instead of “Well, you’re a raging misogynist.” After all, the first option allows the conversation to continue.
The second one does not.
When we encounter interpersonal racism, whether obvious or covert, there are ways to respond and interrupt it.
Asking questions is a powerful tool to seek clarity or offer a new perspective. Below are some suggestions to use in conversations when racist behavior occurs:
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Seek clarity: “Tell me more about ______.”
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Offer an alternative perspective: “Have you ever considered ______?”
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Speak your truth: “I don’t see it the way you do. I see it as ______.”
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Find common ground: “We don’t agree on ______ but we can agree on ______.”
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Set boundaries: “Please do not say ______ again to me or around me.
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Give yourself the time and space you need: “Could we revisit the conversation about ______ tomorrow.”
We should also consider how having intellectual humility might help deal with racism and discrimination.
Intellectual humility is the willingness to admit that one's beliefs and opinions might be wrong or incomplete. It also involves being open to new evidence and perspectives that challenge one's views.
Intellectual humility can help deal with racism and discrimination by fostering a culture of curiosity, respect, and dialogue. Instead of dismissing or attacking people who have different backgrounds, experiences, or opinions, intellectual humility encourages us to listen and learn from them. It also helps us to recognize our own biases and limitations, and to seek feedback and improvement. By cultivating intellectual humility, we can:
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reduce prejudice, conflict, and polarization, and promote mutual understanding, cooperation, and social justice.
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reduce defensiveness, hostility, and polarization and promote constructive dialogue and collaboration across differences.
See also
How to disagree without making someone defensive
There are ways to have a productive conversation with someone you disagree with.
By STEPHANIE VOZZA
A Gentler, Better Way to Change Minds
Stop wielding your values as a weapon and start offering them as a gift.
By ARTHUR C. BROOKS
How to ask questions that get people to open up
The quickest way to learn new info is to tap into the ideas of those around you, but most people don’t ask enough questions, says this expert.
By STEPHANIE VOZZA
All Bigotry Is Ignorance, But Not All Ignorance Is Bigotry
Helping toxic people relinquish their destructive beliefs
The key to finding common ground is to explain complex perspectives in a way that’s familiar and accessible. This requires compassion, patience, and creativity. Most of all, you have to be steadfast because even when you make progress, it’s tempting to slip back into old habits.
By WALTER RHEIN
Presented by MONICA GUZMAN
How do we overcome our fear of talking about racism?
From THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
Why an author and professor wants people to disagree better.
RANDY BOYAGODA speaks with Matt Galloway of CBC's The Current about what civility means in the era of social media, and whether we actually want to hear each other anymore.
Which is More Effective: To Label it Racism or to Suggest it Another Way?
The R-word can set nerves on fire. How do we talk about racism without engaging others’ emotions and shutting down their ability to think clearly?
By JEAN LATTING
What is perplexing is the degree of vitriol and anger that can often easily be invoked by a topic.
The question that must be asked is:
Why are some people so angry, and why are they sometimes so rabid in their support of a cause?
Psychological and sociological factors that might be in play are explained in:
Why are Western pro-Palestinian activists so angry?
By DAVID JOHNSON
A title goes here. Click to edit and add your own.
"What I regret most in my life are failures of kindness."
- George Saunders
Three months after George Saunders gave a graduation address at Syracuse University in 2013, a transcript of that speech was posted on the website of The New York Times, where its simple, uplifting message struck a deep chord. Within days, it had been shared more than one million times. Why? Because Saunders's words tap into a desire in all of us to lead kinder, more fulfilling lives. Powerful, funny, and wise, Congratulations, by the Way is an inspiring message from one of today's most influential and original writers.
I highly recommend this inspirational piece. It's simple and powerful, and might change your life. And it will take you 10, maybe 15 minutes to read.
CIVILITY: The importance of working for the common good
COMPASSION: Let's revive the Golden Rule
Just ahead of the Charter for Compassion launch, Karen Armstrong looked at religion's role in the 21st century: Will its dogmas divide us? Or will it unite us for common good? She reviews the catalysts that can drive the world's faiths to rediscover the Golden Rule.
More about GoldenRuleism.
See also
-
What Do I Owe You?
First, to do you no harm -
Extended Compassion for Racial Healing
Moving Beyond Tolerance: Racial healing/equity through Extended Compassionate Education
We have the solution.
It's the execution that's the problem.
Here's a link to hundreds of versions of the Golden Rule. Found in many religious sacred texts, it defies language, culture, race, space and time.
The Golden Rule is the answer.
We know this.
This simple precept, when followed, has the power to end racism and discrimination.
A key concept in many philosophies and spiritualities, the Golden Rule admonishes us to "do unto others as we would have them do unto us."
Its meaning is clear: treat others only in ways that you would want to be treated. However, the golden rule is not always easy to follow. It can be a challenge to honor others as we wish to be honored. Yet, when we do so, we bestow a gift of loving kindness on our fellow human beings. And, in honoring others, we honor ourselves.
It is as uncomplicated a tenet as one could wish for. When we live by it, harming another person becomes nearly impossible.
The Golden Rule is rooted in pure empathy and does not compel us to perform any specific act. Rather,
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it gently guides us to never let our actions toward others be out of harmony with our own desires.
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it asks us to be aware of the effect our words and actions may have on another person and to imagine ourselves in their place.
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It calls on us to ask ourselves how we would feel if what we were about to do were directed toward us.
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It invites us to do more than not harm others. It suggests that we look for opportunities to behave toward others in the same ways that we would want others to act toward us.
Adhering to the Golden Rule whenever possible can have a positive effect on the world around you because kindness begets kindness. In doing so, you generate a flow of positive energy that enfolds everyone you encounter in peace, goodwill, and harmony.
And what could be better than that!
From DailyOM
STEREOTYPING: Why we stereotype and how we can stop
Avoiding stereotypes involves a conscious effort to see people as individuals rather than as representatives of a group. Here are some effective strategies:
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Acknowledge Your Biases: Recognize that everyone has biases and that these can influence your perceptions and actions.
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Focus on Individuals: Make an effort to see people as unique individuals with their own experiences and qualities.
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Expose Yourself to Diverse Perspectives: Engage with people from different backgrounds and cultures to broaden your understanding and reduce preconceived notions.
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Foster Empathy and Compassion: Try to understand others’ experiences and viewpoints. This can help you relate to them on a human level.
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Promote Inclusivity: Create environments where diversity is valued and everyone feels included.
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Confront Stereotyping: When you notice stereotypes in yourself or others, address them directly and thoughtfully.
By actively practicing these steps, you can help reduce the impact of stereotypes in your interactions and contribute to a more inclusive society.
See also
Don’t Judge People by the Worst of Their Gender, Race, or Religion
By JONATHAN MORRIS SCHWARTZ
Why ‘Us vs. Them’ Mentality Persists in a World That Should Know Better
And how we can find a way to move past it
By KATIE JGLN
QUESTION OF THE WEEK
"What attitudes and actions toward race and ethnicity might we adopt today if we had the best interests of our youngest generation in mind?"
This is an edition of Up for Debate, a newsletter by Conor Friedersdorf of The Atlantic. Once a week, he rounds up timely conversations and solicits reader responses to one thought-provoking question.
Ted Yudelson
"Judge actions,
not stereotypes.
Judge character,
not colour"
Wes Angelozzi
“Go and love someone
exactly as they are.
And then watch how quickly they transform into the greatest, truest version of themselves. When one feels seen and appreciated in their own essence, one is instantly empowered.”
Gad Saad
“Judge me on the merits and flaws of the totality of my personhood.”
QUESTION OF THE WEEK
“What is the best response to
anti-Semitism in America?”
This is an edition of Up for Debate, a newsletter by Conor Friedersdorf of The Atlantic. Once a week, he rounds up timely conversations and solicits reader responses to one thought-provoking question.
Identity politics is the poison at the well of democracy. For the sake of expediency and the shallow thinking of the moment, we place individuals into groups so that we need only address ideas and stereotypes rather than people. We dehumanize by this intellectual sleight of hand.
Leave it to each of us individually to separate ourselves into our own unique identities and proclivities, but let us respectfully treat one another exactly as if we were the same. No more, no less.
Rule #1:
Don't ask others to educate you.
I'm Tired of Talking About Race
Educator, writer, and strategic communication professional Jasmine Roberts speaks about the emotional fatigue experienced by people of color when discussing race with their white counterparts, coupled with solutions to this growing concern.
Stephen R. Covey
"Strength lies in differences, not in similarities."
Joseph Fort Newton
American Baptist minister
“Men build too many walls and not enough bridges.”
Unknown
“Be aware of your own privilege, power and bias.”
A title goes here. Click to edit and add your own.
Ingrid Rice - iricecartoonist on Instagram
Unknown
"Your beliefs don't make you
a better person.
Your behaviour does."
Kofi Annan
A Ghanaian diplomat who served ash secretary-general of the United Nations from 1997 to 2006
“Ignorance and prejudice are the handmaidens of propaganda. Our mission, therefore, is to confront ignorance with knowledge, bigotry with tolerance, and isolation with the outstretched hand of generosity. Racism can, will, and must be defeated.”
Angela Glover Blackwell
American attorney, civil rights advocate, and author.
"Our future collectively is dependent on all of us being able to reach our full potential."
Be an anti-racist.
LIFE KIT
'Not Racist' Is Not Enough: Putting In The Work To Be Anti-Racist
See
10 Keys to Everyday Anti-Racism
By KIRSTEN IVEY-COLSON and LYNN TURNER
The founders of a new organization, the AntiRacist Table, suggest tools you can use to work against prejudice and inequality.
See also
-
"What is an Anti-Racist?"
This two-minute video touches on some of the actions and behaviours that we can practice as individuals to be Anti-Racist. -
It's Time For White People to Have Tough Conversations With Their White Friends and Relatives
By SAVALA NOLAN -
Being Antiracist
From Talking About Race,
National Museum of African American History & Culture -
How to not raise a racist white kid
By JENNIFER HARVEY -
Anti-racism 101: Own Your Racism
By REBECCA BERRY -
Why Anti-Racism Is Our Best Chance at Creating Real Change
BY SHANITA HUBBARD
An expert breaks down what anti-racism actually is, and how we can truly embrace it. -
How to be an Antiracist
By IBRAM X. KENDI
See also The difference between being "not racist" and antiracist
In this vital conversation, Kendi defines the transformative concept of antiracism to help us more clearly recognize, take responsibility for and reject prejudices in our public policies, workplaces and personal beliefs. Learn how you can actively use this awareness to uproot injustice and inequality in the world - and replace it with love.
-
A Better Anti-Racism?
By COLEMAN HUGHES -
When Should You Talk to Your Children About Racism?
By NIA NORRIS -
‘Saying we want to stop racism is all well and good, but what are we going to do about it?’
By PÁDRAIG HOARE -
Teaching While White
Where Whiteness Intersects with Antiracist Teaching & Learning
Teaching While White seeks to move the conversation forward on how to be consciously, intentionally, anti-racist in the classroom.
Be an anti-racist ally.
ally
-
a person who supports a community with which they do not personally identify.
I understand that I will never understand, but I stand with you
As the tragic murder of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter movement has demonstrated, not being racist is not enough. To ensure that all people are equal, you must be actively anti-racist.
In this essential guide, Sophie Williams, goes beyond her popular Instagram @officialmillennialblack, providing sharp, simple, and insightful steps anyone can take to be a better ally in the fight against racism. While the book’s focus is on race, it also touches on sexism, classism, ableism, oppression, and white supremacy.
Written in her iconic Instagram style, this punchy pocket-sized guide is a crucial starting point for every anti-racist ally, covering complex topics at the heart of anti-racist principles. Whether you are just finding your voice, have made a start but aren’t sure what to do next, or want a fresh viewpoint, Anti-Racist Ally introduces and explains the language of change and shows you how to challenge the system, beginning with yourself.
See also
An open source starter guide to help you become a less performative and more effective ally.
A look at what it is, what it isn't and the roles and responsibilities of an effective ally.
What is Allyship? Your Questions Answered
A Leading Effectively article by the Center for Creative Leadership
Redefining Ally
A powerful talk by equality advocate ASH BECKHAM
An Anti-Racism Conversation for All of Us
Dr. Jennifer Harvey speaks about raising active and able allies.
The White Ally Toolkit Workbook:
Using active listening, empathy, and personal storytelling to promote racial equity
By DAVID W. CAMPT
Rice Allyship Movement’s Racial Allyship Toolkit:
Guidelines to Teaching an Effective Workshop
By J. HUANG, S. TSEGGAY & C. CONSIDINE
This document provides a comprehensive overview of racial allyship through worksheets including a list of key terms, notable people/ organizations, and allyship-focused lesson plans.
7 Ways to Practice Active Allyship
By POORNIMA LUTHRA
By ATHULYA PULIMOOD
How to raise an ally: Kids need to learn about racism and what they can do to fight it
By AMY BELL
What I Look For in an 'Ally'
Allyship means different things to different people…and you’re about to get a glimpse into what it means to me!
By ANTHONY EICHBERGER
Why I No Longer Call Myself An Ally
By STEPHANIE HUCKEL
Why I Don’t Consider Myself an ‘Ally’
Since everyone seems to have their own definition of what makes someone an “ally,” I won’t attempt to label myself as such
By ANTHONY EICHBERGER
The Uncomfortable Truth About White Allyship
Who’s talking and who’s listening?
By KERELA TAYLOR
Some allyship notions to consider
allyship
-
an active, consistent, and arduous practice of unlearning and re-evaluating, in which a person in a position of privilege and power seeks to operate in solidarity with a marginalized group
tone policing
NOUN
-
the action or practice of criticizing the angry or emotional manner in which a person has expressed a point of view, rather than addressing the substance of the point itself:
"tone policing is the ultimate derailing tactic"
-
the act of someone (usually a privileged person) in a conversation or situation about oppression shifting the focus of the conversation from the oppression being discussed to the way it is being discussed.
Tone policing prioritizes the comfort of the privileged person over the oppression of the disadvantaged person.
NOTE: We often see people who claim to be allies, but who are actually tone policing.
You could also check out this short video on tone-policing:
If you are a white person concerned with fighting racial oppression, and want to stay focused on being a true ally in the battle against racism (and avoid tone policing behavior), here are some things to remember:
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Be aware of the limits of your empathy.
Your privilege will keep you from fully understanding the pain caused to people of color by systemic racism, but just because you cannot understand it, that does not make it any less real.
-
Don't distract or deflect.
The core issue in discussions of racism and systemic oppression will always be racism and systemic oppression.
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Remember your goal.
Your main goal, if you consider yourself an ally, should always be to end systemic racism.
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Drop the prerequisites.
The goal should not have any preconditions on it. You are fighting systemic racism because it is your moral obligation, and that obligation is yours as long as systemic racism exists, pure and simple.
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Walk away if you must, but don't give up.
If you simply cannot abide by an oppressed person or group's language or methods, step aside and find where you can help elsewhere.
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Build a tolerance for discomfort.
You must get used to being uncomfortable and get used to this not being about your feelings if you plan to help and not hinder people of color in their efforts for racial justice.
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You are not doing any favors, you are doing what is right.
If you are white, remember that White Supremacy is a system you benefit from and that your privilege has helped to uphold. Your efforts to dismantle White Supremacy are expected of decent people who believe in justice. You are not owed gratitude or friendship from people of color for your efforts. We are not thanked for cleaning our own homes.
Excerpt from
So you want to talk about race
By IJEOMA OLUO
How Can White People Better Support Their Black Colleagues?
Here are three ways Black people say their white co-workers and managers can be an antidote to systemic racism:
-
Reciprocal relationships
-
Don't avoid uncomfortable conversations
-
Connect outside work
Read more
See also
Why Most White Parents Refuse to Talk to Their Children About Race
And how their apprehension impacts Black people
By ALLISON WILTZ
Deconstructing Performative Allyship and Moving Towards Co-Conspiratorship
By TAI SALIH E-RYT
Empower people to be a force for good.
There are many who are good at this
(Check out the RESOURCES section).
One I stumbled upon is called GOOD worldwide, whose mission is to empower people and organizations to be a force for good, together.
One of their initiatives is UPWORTHY, an editorial and social media brand that strives to share the best of humanity with the world.
See also
Ten Ways to Fight Hate: A Community Response Guide
By SOUTHERN POVERTY LAW CENTER
Eight Ways to Stand Up to Hate
Hate crimes and hateful language are on the rise. What are you going to do about it?
By ELIZABETH SVOBODA
The Seven Sacred Teachings* that will go a long way to making for a better world.
These Indigenous teachings - or values - are so important, I have included them twice. While each has its own intrinsic and unique value, these teachings are not complete without one another, and must be used simultaneously in order to achieve balance and harmony in our life.
An excerpt from the short film
Friendly Manitoba
from BU CARES Research and Film Project on Anti-racism: “REAL CHANGE”
* Also known as
The Seven Grandfathers Teachings
For more information, see also:
https://empoweringthespirit.ca/cultures-of-belonging/seven-grandfathers-teachings/
https://www.natureconservancy.ca/en/blog/archive/the-seven-sacred-teachings.html
If we learn to live by these teachings, we can lead
the way to a better way of life and a better world:
The Buffalo teaches us the law of
Respect
Respect is to remember everything on Mother Earth is connected and important.
The Eagle teaches us the law of
Love
You must show love to all things on earth.
True unconditional love is expressed by showing kindness. Be kind to all things.
The Bear teaches us the law of
Courage
Having courage is to do the right thing even if it’s not the easy thing.
The Raven teaches us the law of
Honesty
Be someone who is trustworthy. Be genuine.
You must always say what you mean and mean what you say.
The Beaver teaches us the law of
Wisdom
Wisdom is understanding yourself and understanding the gifts that you share.
Everything on Mother Earth has purpose and has gifts and wisdom. Use it.
The Wolf teaches us the law of
Humility
The wolf says that having humility is knowing that everyone and everything on Mother Earth is created equally.
The Turtle teaches us about
Truth
Living with truth is to live with all of these teachings. Carry them in your heart and think of them at all times. They will guide you down the right path to being your true self.
Kindness is not the solution to racism
But it can help.
Growing up white, I learned one solution for fighting injustice: if I just treated people well, she could cause a ripple effect of kindness that would spread across the world. That’s how I used to picture solving all the world’s problems; start with smiling at one person and watch how that action spread, all the way to City Council, Congress, the United Nations, and beyond. Self-interest conquered; corruption eradicated; racism uprooted; goodness wins the day.
I believe in the power of kindness. I believe how we treat people matters. But I no longer think that kindness will end oppression.
I just got called racist. What do I do now?
If you are white in a white supremacist society, you may be considered a racist by default.
"You are racist because you were born and bred in a racist, white supremacist society. White Supremacy is insidious by design. The racism required to uphold White Supremacy is woven into every area of our lives. There is no way you can inherit white privilege from birth, learn racist white supremacist history in schools, consume racist and white supremacist movies and films, work in a racist and white supremacist workforce, and vote for racist and white supremacist governments and not be racist."
- Ijeoma Oluo
In other words, context matters and it can impact us unknowingly. Just be open to that possibility.
If you've been confronted with the possibility of your own racism, and you want to do the work, here are some tips:
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Listen.
First and foremost, if someone is telling you something abot yourself and your actions and you feel your hackles raising, take that as a sign that you need to stop and listen. If you blood pressure rose too quickly to really hear what was being said, take a few deep breaths, ask the person to repeat themselves if necessary, and listen again. Don't add to what the person is saying, don't jump to conclusions, don't immediately think "Oh you think I'm a monster now," just try to actually hear what they are trying to communicate to you.
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Set your intentions aside.
Your intentions have little to no impact on the way in which your actions may have harmed others. Do not try to absolve yourself of responsibility with your good intentions.
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Try to hear the impact of what you have done.
Don't just hear the action: "You consistently speak over me in work meetings and you do not do that to white people in our meetings." That is easy to brush off as, "I just don't agree with you," or "I didn't mean to, I was just excited about a point I was trying to make. Don't make a big deal out of nothing."
Try to also hear the impact: "Your bias is invalidating my professional expertise and making me feel singled out and unappreciated in a way which compounds all of the many ways I'm made to feel this way as a woman of color in the workplace."
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Remember that you do not have all the pieces.
You are not living as a person of color. You will never fully understand the impact that sustained, systemic racism has on people of color. You will never be able to fully empathize with the pain your actions may have caused. Nothing will get you there. Do not discount someone's complaint because their emotions seem foreign to you. You may think that someone is making a mountain out of a molehill, but when it comes to race, actual mountains are indeed made of countless molehills stacked on top of each other. Each one adds to the enormity of the problem of racism.
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Nobody owes you a debate.
It is very hard on people of color to call out racism. Sometimes, that is the most they can do. And while you may really want to get it all sorted out right then and there, understand that when you ask to "talk it out" you are asking for more emotional labor from somebody who is already hurt. It is nice if you get it, and you should be grateful, but it is not owed to you. You can still give this serious thought. You can still look deep inside yourself, you can still Google for more insight, even if the person who brought this to your attention does not want to engage further.
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Nobody owed you a relationship.
Even if you've recognized where you've been racist, worked to make amends, and learned from your mistakes, the person that you harmed does not owe you a relationship of any kind. In a hostile world, people of color have the right to cut off contact with people who have harmed them. They do not have to stick around to see all the progress you've made.
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Remember that you are not the only one hurt.
Yes, it hurts to know that somebody thinks you are being racist. But you were not the first one hurt here - it is the deep hurt of racism that forced this person to confront you. Do not make this about your pain at being called out.
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If you can see where you have been racist, or if you can see where your actions have caused harm, apologize and mean it.
Think about how you can make amends if possible, and how you can avoid those same harmful actions in the future. If you cannot see here you have been racist, take some more time to seriously consider the issue some more before declaring your actions "not racist." There have been conversations I've had about race with white people that ended in absolute denials, only to have that white person come back to me months later to say that they finally realized that their actions WERE racist and that were sorry for the harm they had caused, not only by their actions, but by their vigorous denial of my experiences.
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If, after a lot of careful thought, you still do not see your actions as racist and feel strongly that this is simply a misunderstanding, do not then validate that person's hurt.
A true misunderstanding isn't so just because your intentions were not racist. A true misunderstanding is when your actions do not actually have a racist impact even though somebody thinks they might. If I hit you but do not intend to hit you, that is not a misunderstanding about whether or not I hot you. The situation you are in may be a misunderstanding - it does happen, even if it happens less often than you think. But even if it is, the pain of the person confronting you is real. Do not deny that. Do not call it silly. Explain your viewpoint if you feel it's necessary, and hope that explanation sheds light that helps that person see the situation the same way you do, but don't deny someone's lived experience. Your goal is to find out if you are being racist, not to prove that you aren't, and to resolve a painful situation if possible.
This is not an easy process, and it is not at all fun.
Excerpt from
So you want to talk about race
By IJEOMA OLUO
Some anti-racism initiatives
There are a myriad of such initiatives world-wide.
Here are just a few from my small corner of the world.
South Asian Canadian Legacy Project
2020 - 2022
The South Asian Canadian Legacy Project (SACLP) - through the University of the Fraser Valley’s South Asian Studies Institute - aims to raise awareness and knowledge of the valuable contributions of South Asian Canadians to British Columbia’s diverse cultures, history, heritage, economy and society.
The SACLP will create access to new educational materials, digital collections, exhibits and online resources showcasing the historical role of the South Asian Canadians in British Columbia.
The project was financially backed by a grant from the province, part of the government’s response to community consultations on racism and hate conducted in 2019.
The South Asian Canadian Legacy Project empowers British Columbians to discover, learn, research, and share the rich and robust histories of South Asian Canadians who helped build the province.
Abbotsford and Mission organizations get grants for anti-racism projects
April 2022
“Over the past two years, we’ve seen a staggering increase in racism and hate incidents in B.C.,” said “These grants are one of many steps in our fight against racism, helping organizations on the ground address systemic racism.”
- Rachna Singh,
Parliamentary Secretary for
Anti-Racism Initiatives.
Grants to help tackle discrimination and racism were awarded to:
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The Reach Gallery Museum,
Abbotsford, BC
For a project called Anti-Black Racism, Mental Health and the Fraser Valley, which comprises three events supporting the mental health of the growing Black community in Abbotsford and across the Fraser Valley.
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The Kara-Kata Afrobeat Society of Canada, Mission, BC
For conducting an African-Canadian Community Needs Assessment in which they will gather African community members from around the Lower Mainland (in person) and around Canada (virtually) to assess the top needs and desires of the community to create economic opportunity, empowerment and camaraderie.
FVRD Adopts Anti-Racial Discrimination and Anti-Racism Policy
April 2022
The Fraser Valley Regional District (FVRD) Board adopted an Anti-Racial Discrimination and Anti-Racism Policy at the April 28, 2022 Board meeting. The policy shows the FVRD’s commitment to conducting day-to-day business operations and governance in an anti-discriminatory and anti-racist manner and environment.
“Our board welcomes this policy which will strengthen our commitment to creating a welcoming and safe environment for all our staff, elected officials, volunteers, and contractors.”
- Jason Lum, FVRD Chair
POLICY PRINCIPLES:
The Fraser Valley Regional District:
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acknowledges and recognizes the existence in our community of racism in all its forms;
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is committed to breaking down barriers, deconstructing biases and fostering and promoting an inclusive, respectful, and welcoming environment for all, one that is free from racial discrimination and racism; and,
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acknowledges its role and responsibility in protecting every person's right to be free from racial discrimination and racism.
NOTE: The Fraser Valley Regional District is a local government that delivers over 100 separate services to over 280,000 residents in the beautiful Fraser Valley.
“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me.”
Wishful thinking, my friends!
That catchy little phrase our parents told us to use to ensure unkind words would just “bounce” off of us, RARELY, if ever, worked. Words have tremendous power over us from a very young age until we graduate to heaven! And words often are at the root of our insecurities.
One doesn’t realize the impact and implications that can come from the power of our words. Do we understand the implications of those words spoken? Are they words that edify and build up or words that are disparaging and tear down? Are we choosing to receive words that hinder our self esteem or are we rejecting those words?
The words we use can have tremendous impact.
Let's be careful out there.
FEDERAL
Canada's Anti-Racist Strategy
Racism divides communities, breeds fear and fuels animosity. Addressing racism and discrimination is a longstanding commitment of Canadians who see our country's diversity as a source of strength. Canada is strong, not in spite of our differences, but because of them. Unfortunately, Canada is not immune to racism and discrimination — challenges remain when it comes to fully embracing diversity, openness and cooperation.
Vision
The Government of Canada’s vision seeks to foster and promote an inclusive society where everyone is able to fully participate in the economic, cultural, social and political spheres.
Context
Achieving this vision is not just a way to build a better country, but also a means of addressing the human cost of racism and discrimination. As the Prime Minister noted on March 21, 2017 on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination,
“racism devalues individuals, divides communities, and breeds fear and animosity throughout society.”
Over the years, the Government of Canada has put in place a number of laws, policies and programs that focus on overcoming racism and discrimination, including:
For more information on Canada's Anti-Racist Strategy,
please see:
BUILDING A FOUNDATION FOR CHANGE
Canada's Anti-Racism Strategy 2019-2022
PROVINCIAL
Resilience BC Anti-Racism Network
The Resilience BC Anti-Racism Network is a multi-faceted, province-wide approach for challenging racism. The program connects communities with information, support and training they need to respond to, and prevent future incidents of, racism and hate.
Overview
The Resilience BC Anti-Racism Network delivers coordinated services through a “Hub and Spoke” model. This model has a centralized “hub” that anchors the program and provides oversight; the “spokes” are community-based branches that help see through service delivery.
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The Resilience BC Hub:
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Connects communities
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Increases capacity to share information and resources
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Coordinates training and anti-racism initiatives
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The Spokes:
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Represent communities and work with local members
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Identify local priorities and move projects forward
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We see a future free from racism and hate. The Resilience BC Anti-Racism Network is bringing communities together to do the hard work and make this vision a reality.
End Racism and Hate:
Your Right. Your Responsibility.
For more information on the Resilience BC Anti-Racism Network and for anti-racism tools and resources,
please see:
Government
Anti-racism Initiatives
When your child comes out, it’s essential to respond with love, understanding, and support. Here are some steps you can take:
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Listen Actively: Focus on what they have to say. Be open and encourage an ongoing dialogue. Remember, coming out is an expression of trust.
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Express Gratitude: Thank them for sharing their feelings with you. Acknowledge the courage it takes to come out.
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Avoid Personal Worries: Put aside your own concerns for now. This moment is about them, not you.
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Be Honest: If you don’t fully understand yet, admit it. It’s okay to learn together.
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Affirm Your Love: Reassure them of your love and support.
See also
“My Teen Age Son Just Told Me He Is Gay”
“Now what?”
By MIKE ROSEBUSH, PhD
My Child Just "Came Out“ - Now What?
By CHAD W. THOMPSON
What to Do (and Not Do) When Your Child Comes Out to You
From FAMILY EQUALITY
When Your Child Opens the Closet Door
7 ways to deal your feelings and show your love
By KATHY McCOY, PhD
What to Do if Your Child Comes Out as Trans or Nonbinary
These tips for parents of gender nonconforming kids go to 11.
By DANA DUBOIS
A Starter Guide for Parents of a Queer Child from an Adult Queerdo
By AND ALSO…
My Child Came Out As Genderfluid 3 Years Ago — 10 Things I Wish I Knew Then
10 things every parent should do when their child comes out.
By DANA DUBOIS
I’m Not Proud of My Child for Coming Out
Gender is only the beginning of all that they are…
By DANA DUBOIS
The Curb-Cut Effect
Everyone benefits in a society experiencing the Curb-Cut Effect.
First documented as the response to the advocacy of people in wheelchairs, these sidewalk indentations turned out to benefit many: those pulling suitcases on wheels, pushing babies and young children in strollers, bikers, workers with large racks making deliveries, and many others. The Curb-Cut Effect is a vibrant illustration of how laws and programs designed to benefit vulnerable groups, such as the disabled or people of color, often end up benefiting all. That creation underscores a foundational belief: we are one nation, we rise or fall together.
Without equity, there can be neither progress nor prosperity. Despite years of politicians insisting otherwise, the laws of economic gravity have always run in reverse. Opportunity doesn’t trickle down; it cascades out and up.
The Curb-Cut Effect, in its essence, asserts that an investment in one group can cascade out and up and be a substantial investment in the broader well-being of a nation -- one whose policies and practices create an equitable economy, a healthy community of opportunity, and just society.
From "Equity: Not a Zero-Sum Game", by Angela Glover Blackwell, author of "Curb-Cut Effect", published in Stanford Social Innovation Review, Winter 2017.
Curb cut effect:
where accommodations and improvements made for a minority end up benefiting a much larger population in expected and unexpected ways.
"When we solve problems of the most vulnerable with nuance and specificity, the benefits cascade up and out."
- Angela Glover Blackwell
From Angela Glover Blackwell interview:
Equity is not a zero sum game