In the United States, diverse communities and leaders across varying organizations are demanding action to eliminate prolonged racial injustices. In the Army in particular, senior leaders have led the way responding to this call for action by turning an inward look in our military and civilian ranks.
While racism is an issue that has plagued our nation from its inception, the existence of racism is often denied or minimized in modern society. In order to solve the problem of racism, we, as a society, have to acknowledge that racism exists.
Acknowledgement and acceptance of that fact are necessary before engaging in meaningful dialogue. Silence is no longer acceptable. We must start the conversation. Conversations about race and racism can be challenging but are necessary. Oftentimes, well-intended efforts to create a shared understanding about these topics can go awry due to sensitivities around the issues.
Here are three personal actions that you can take to have meaningful conversations about race and racism within your work environment. Listen with an open heart and mind. In general, our society has overvalued the perspective and intentions of white citizens and undervalued the perspectives, intentions, and impact of the experiences of racism among minority citizens.
There's another example of the past being the present. I've already mentioned my first US presidential election in A big issue in the campaign was urban crime and the Clinton administration's controversial Crime Bill that critics say increased mass incarceration and led to the disproportionate jailing of tens of thousands of black men. Joe Biden helped get that legislation on the books, and his involvement has come back to haunt him.
It's meant some African Americans view the Democratic Party candidate suspiciously, despite his time serving eight years as vice-president to Barack Obama. And it's part of the reason a minority of African American men say they'll vote for Donald Trump in this election. Polls suggest African Americans overwhelmingly back Democrats in elections.
But in the race for the White House, many failed to show up at the polls for Hilary Clinton, choosing instead to stay at home, and thereby helping to hand Donald Trump the presidency.
I've been talking to a new breed of young, engaged African American civil rights activist, fired up to turn out the vote. People like Percy Christian in Phoenix, Arizona, arrested on a peaceful civil rights March and jailed for seven days.
He says he's committed to fighting for a better future for black people and will continue to take to the streets. I'm willing to put my life on the line to raise awareness about the issue that police brutality is real Another activist, Jazlyn Geiger, who's 21, told me that the fear of a bad encounter with the police lives in the mind of every African American.
It's a really unsettling state of mind to be in. These are the people multiplied by millions in this country, who could swing this election. Committed and determined to have their voice heard, so that the next election doesn't have to go over the same old ground, when it comes to race. Image source, Getty Images. This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Clive Myrie goes to the crucial state of Arizona, where black votes could decide who wins.
Clive Myrie reporting from the inauguration of President Barack Obama in Who will be the next US president? A much more productive reaction would be to focus, instead, on specific actions that will ensure equal access to opportunities, especially for those who are marginalized. While you cannot help being born to racist parents, or growing up in a racist society, you can, however, choose to address systemic racism. Simply being good to your Black friends is not enough. You need to not only denounce racism but also recognize the part you are playing in maintaining this system of inequities.
The following strategies will help:. You need to embark on a self-exploratory journey so that you understand how your own beliefs, values, prejudices and privileges in race, age, physical ability, education level, sexual orientation, language, etc. Starting this process within yourself allows you to recognize that there are other perspectives that must be considered. Self-awareness is an essential element for the understanding of others. It is imperative that you understand the daily struggles others are dealing with.
Do you recognize the pain Black folks are bringing with them to the workplace, churches, schools, etc. Do you know how the Black individuals you come in contact with feel? Have you stopped to hear their perspective? Most importantly, take a stand toward social justice, be it at work or in the community. You can start by ensuring safe spaces for individuals to have conversations about racism and other polarizing topics.
For many B lack people , their world is filled with pain, fear and anxiety, which is compounded by the lack of opportunity to address these feelings. You can also take steps to uncover inequities in your own organization and push for equal access to opportunities, equal pay and equal distribution of resources.
Participating in community projects that focus on reducing racial disparities is a great way to demonstrate support for social justice. You can also advocate for curricula reform. What our children learn in school should reflect the diversity of our nation. Above all, never pass an opportunity to take a stand to reduce racial disparities, to lessen discrimination and to improve race relations among all. Again, the focus should be on changing the system.
These are some of the actions you can take that can help you not only understand the reality that B l ack folks and other marginalized groups face every day , but also help you advocate for systemic change. As a White person, you can take the necessary steps to address and end systemic racism.
Racism is a choice. If you are not fighting against it, you are part of the problem. We can no longer remain ignorant and racist. It is time to get uncomfortable, so we can all move forward together. The current environment is calling on all of us to take a strong anti-racist stance.
I hope you use the power and privilege you have been granted to advocate toward a more equitable and just society for all.
She designs and implements customized programs for organizations that want team members to understand cultural differences and work well across those differences. As a speaker, her message zeros in on the importance of creating environments where all individuals feel included and can thrive.
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