Are you starting to feel more prepared and confident to engage in conversations about race?
After going through this course, I feel a more sense of situational awareness about what I say or do, especially to sensitive topics such as racism. I have a general good grasp about what can trigger a person and how to tactfully approach situations, and also respecting the other person's perspective. Overall, I think this course should be relevant even after the protests are over and things change, especially for those working in healthcare, social services or other human-to-human based fields as this can help prepare them when time comes to deal with racially biased situations.
What do you think about some of the PDF handouts?
Some of the handouts will come in handy if the time warrants to use such tools. I know that personally, I would use them as a guide on to facilitate good constructive conversations between races to speak openly about it and hopefully develop inclusiveness amongs the diversity of the group. However, when reviewing one of the handouts regarding what can be said that may make someone sound discriminating when asking certain questions, I really do not believe there is anything wrong with someone who is quiet to speak up, as sometimes they may have something really important that can help others. But to put something related to their race/ethnicity, then I can understand why it might sound derogatory.
What thoughts did you have while watching the videos focusing on how to engage others? Share your thoughts with other participants.
Although I appreciated many videos and TED Talks, I would really like to see scenario based quizzes that actually challenge you to put what you know to the test to see how effective one is when using tools for anti-racism. I think for now just knowing the resources and how to approach these sensitive situations will help when the time comes to talk about it with my organization i'm a part of, I do believe that at the end of each module, a scenario based response should be conducted and timed. This way, the organizers of this training can see your progress and perhaps give you feedback on other ways to approach those situations.
I too think the PDFs will come in handy, especially in support of difficult conversations because it may help to leave a visual to help cement concepts or provide points of reflection for the audience. I thoroughly enjoyed the variety of speakers in the videos. The diversity of perspective, presentation and focus was appreciated but I don't feel I needed a quiz or feedback to help digest the content.
Thank you for this thoughtful and thorough commentary on the training. ~ Brenda
I keep wondering how to best support my black and brown neighbors and friends. How can we make a difference - make sure that every citizen has the right and ability to vote, go to good schools, live in healthful circumstances, has access to compassionate and effective medical care? Living in a city where a sizeable percentage of the population is minorities, how can my actions and purposes improve the lives of those around me and make each person met feel valued and respected? How can one support good job opportunities for those who normally are discriminated against? What actions will be the most effective? How can we support our brothers and sisters who may speak another language or have skin of a different color or different physical characteristics?