Talking with family and friends about racism is one of the hardest things to do if you are on opposite sides of the issue. There is a myriad of ways this can be done. Contact us at Visible Unity for more information or to participate in our programs to learn more.
- Begin by sharing a personal experience of yourself or a friend of color
- Ask them what they think about what you shared – Listen to their answer carefully and seek to understand their point of view (This isn’t the time for debate, even if they are in left field.)
- That may be all you do the first time. You might have to do this a few times. If they would be able to handle it, you could also invite a person of color to come and share their experiences.
- Then next time, ask their thoughts about something that is going on in your area (another shooting or killing, insurrection, etc.)
- Respond with a question that seeks to point out issues they are not seeing or not informed about.
- Do you realize that….
- Did you know that…
- How did you arrive at …
- Just remember, we are all socialized on a racist platform. Plus, depending on one’s life experiences, their racist thinking may be entrenched. So, patience and grace are needed.
Note:
- Be a Non-Anxious Presence.
- Be open and honest. You still stumble and they will too.
- Allow for questions.
Later on, add:
- Talk about the taboo words, their original intent and current use today.
- Have books to expand views and lives of others.
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