Who watched MSNBC's "Everyday Racism in America" tonight?
What did you think?
I thought it was really powerful. Some of the stories were hard to hear, and yet unsurprising at the same time. Here were some of my biggest takeaways, FWIW:
1) Across the country, we need to have a lot more of these types of discussions. Hearing these stories, and the resulting psychic harm, is needed to help white people "get it". More companies need to take a cue from Starbucks and devote time to educate their employees (and reinforce that training continually).
2) If we're ever going to turn the tide on everyday racism, we need more white people need to speak up when we see racism happening, even in subtle forms. And I don't say that because I think people of color need white people to "save" them. I say it because unfortunately, white people are more likely to listen to other white people. And also because racism is not just a problem for people of color, it's all of our problem. It harms our communities. It harms our workplaces. It harms our humanity.
3) I was amazed and saddened to hear how minority races and religions often must internalize their hurt and anger when they've been discriminated against, or else face even more real danger (being perceived as a "scary" or "angry" black person or muslim, or horror of horrors, both, can lead to police involvement). And I also understand more than ever why some minorities ARE really angry; I'd be beyond fed up too. Who wouldn't?
I wanted to say one more thing before I go: I really debated whether I should post in the African American forum because I am white. My sense is that my posting here might be seen as an intrusion of a safe space (and if so, I do apologize). But then I realized, "oh, that's probably how African Americans feel every day, only on a much larger scale". SMH.
= new reply since forum marked as read
Appreciate all human experiences,
translated means to look outside your comfort zone and be safe while doing so....
