Racism – Insights from My Friend (Part 2)
My friend Annie Paraison shared some insightful ideas about racism in Part 1. Now I will discuss my thoughts on some of the points she raised. As well, I will challenge you to educate yourself and your students and have provided some ideas below.
Many of us don’t see systemic barriers. The conversations for equity must continue inside the walls of an organization. Only then is their hope for systemic change. In Canada, the issue of racism is often swept under the carpet. But, … have a look at Black Like Me, Past, Present and Future: Behind the Stratford Festival Curtain. An internationally renowned festival in Stratford Ontario speaks out about what it is like being black inside the Stratford Festival organization.
When we place a percentage e.g. black people in jobs that serve the percentage of people that look like them, it is tokenism and doesn’t actually work. The system can still be broken even if it “looks good”. There is still judgement and the person is still often not seen as a person. However, representation does matter. What books are you using in your classroom? Are they diverse? Do students see themselves? Are they capturing the experience of a wide variety of people? The teacher has to be a safe person and it should not matter what they look like.
“Us and them” is a learned perspective. We are not born with it. But as a child, we take in the biases of those around us and develop our own bias, perspective or point of view. Bias comes from ignorance or stereotyping. Often it is implicit racism and we must become aware of it.
The current pandemic has illustrated how deeply connected we are as human beings. The inequities we experience and the way we interpret life’s happenings give us our perspective. And, what is certain, is that our perspective is our truth. When we really get into the world of another and get curious about what others see and experience, our perspective can change. Are we open to a new perspective?
Hope is a feeling; optimism a mindset. Right now a bright light is shining on a perpetual problem, racism. This is a good thing. It cannot be ignored any longer. To be healthy and to experience a healthy workplace, we must see the human side of each person.
I will continue to educate for equity. Here are two actions you can take:
Teacher workshops and full cross-curricular units include, The Skin I’m In, Us and Them, Developing an Empowering Perspective after Trauma and SmARTS for Well-Being. Details for equity workshops with full cross-curricular units and SEL for lower elementary and upper elementary to adult are offered. Virtual options are available.
Teambuilding with SEL is a virtual, interactive program that is receiving rave reviews. This Foundation Program is for small groups/teams of teacher leaders. It is a short time commitment of four one-hour workshops with the option of joining a Professional Learning Community (Mastermind Group) to follow-up. Learn more here.
We can’t be neutral. Take a stand by being anti-racist. Focus on equity. We can start by educating ourselves.
Looking forward to supporting you and your team in making your difference.