Moving through systemic racism and systemic privilege with Respectful Communication?

"I think I understand the issues conceptually: systemic racism, privilege, reconciliation, etc. But, what do I do about it? And, what do I do when I'm in the middle of it?"

Have you heard this comment, or similar? Maybe you can relate to this question?

I've been mucking with some images (attached) as part of an online course.

After years of research, curriculum design, facilitating, and discussions- I've heard this sentiment a lot.

In health care. In education. In community work.

A colleague approaching me asking a quiet question, often in a hallway. Might start with: "I was afraid I'd sound insensitive, or be called a racist."

One of the more recent times, a colleague asked me something like: "I've read everything I possibly can on this idea of Reconciliation in this country, every resource...I'm working through the TRC reports."

"...but Dave, I'm still not clear on what I'm supposed to do? A lot of this material is short on specifics for what to do next, or, what to do in the middle of it? Or, it's bigger than me...institutional."

This individual had grown up in a country that was also colonized; surrounded by poverty and oppression, civil war - And, is now a settler in Canada, and a visible minority. Well educated. Feeling befuddled.

Damn good questions. Critical.

So much material, news articles, social media, and now various 'training' initiatives use the terms: systemic racism, privilege, oppression, reconciliation, equity, diversity, etc.

Yes, having context for terms, definitions, and identifying systemic challenges is important. But, where is the information and training on how to navigate this?

How to be in it? In the muck of it?

So you're in an interaction- in a classroom, at a health clinic, at your kid's sports practice, in a meeting at work- and someone confronts you: "that's racist, you're a racist."

Or, "That's just your privilege talking.. you're blind to your privilege."

What do you do?

_ _ _ _

The training, the papers, the webinars, they often say things like:

• "take a look inward at your own biases and socialization then practice outward in dismantling structural racism in order to pave the way for reform and racial equity."

• Or, "understand how your own socializations and biases perpetuate systemic racism."

• Or, "we must have sustained dialogue allowing us to pay attention to patient and family needs and how we use privilege to actively engage and dismantle structural racism."

Sheez. Not so helpful.

Important. But how? and then what?

And, remember, 50% of people in Canada, do not have literacy needed for day-to-day living, let alone breaking down definitions of systemic racism...

The result? Reactions: fear, anger, defensiveness.

Part of the way through is Respectful Communication. Maybe we can do this, through thinking about, and living in Systems, and with differences? Every person is different. Every person.

"Learning about" — is one thing.

"Doing with" — is another related thing.

What are your thoughts; experiences?

Suggestions for an online course?