Talking to Family and Friends About Racism

05 Mar 2021 Leave a comment

by Visible Unity, Inc. in Activist, America, Churches, Community Organizing, Diversity, Equity & Social Justice, Faith Communities, Hospitality, Minorities, Missions, Social Justice, Spiritual Life, Workshops Tags: , ,

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.