I love the suggestions for engaging with others around anti racism. I was taking avid notes in this section. We have some family members that the story connection method may work well with. I was truly struck by the information that the perception of social exclusion leads to more extreme and conspiratorial beliefs. It makes sense now that I have heard this, but it fits so perfectly for a few of my family members I can see the connection so clearly. As a social worker I work to help people feel more connected and hope to be able to utilize this connection and story method more in this anti racism work. I know the first step is to really reflect on my own story and how this has informed my own beliefs. This is something I plan to spend more time on now, I have a pretty good connection with my own story but need to ponder more of how my own experiences have influenced me to want to be doing anti racism work and the beliefs that we need to be actively working to end systemic issues and help others to be able to engage in this work themselves.
When I was a criminology student studying violent extremism and terrorism, this was a common thread. People who don't feel they fit in are welcomed into these groups, and there they find a place and the racist beliefs can grow because the feel connected to others. I think it's really easy to forget just how much connection to other people impacts are world views etc.