What are your thoughts about white exceptionalism, guilt, and shame? Have you felt that way? Have you been driven by toxic white guilt?
I can own feelings of white exceptionalism and guilt. Also shame about my family's racist roots. My father managed a business that used a lot of black men for lower level work. His talk about those men upset me even as a child, though I had no power then to confront him. My mother also used racist language and it wasn't until I was in my teens that I even understood what she was saying to us. I am not aware of acting out of toxic white guilt, but will continue to reflect to see if that in fact has occurred.
Reflection 2 Where do you think you are on the ally continuum? If you are a person of color, you can still become an ant-racist ally to other racially marginalized group. Do you think you already demonstrate allyship?
I think I am an active ally. I went to the administration of my new workplace to express concerns about overtly racist talk I heard routinely amongst colleagues. In response, they did schedule a one-day workshop for all the staff. While only just a start, it is a start. I will continue to press for continued conversations and hopefully, a stronger response from admin to such behavior. I also am listening to my black friends and amplifying their messages whenever I can. I work for inclusion whenever I am in the position to do so. I do feel like I should do more, not sure if that is my white guilt talking.
Reflection 3 Are you starting to feel more prepared and confident to engage in conversations about race? What do you think about some of the PDF handouts? What thoughts did you have while watching the videos focusing on how to engage others?
I do feel a little more confident in engaging in conversations about race. I have spoken up just today when a family member said something that sounded racist. "Connecting before correcting" is something I learned when dealing with any behavior and it sounds like some of the videos were saying the same thing.