There is increasing scientific evidence that shows that empathy-based dialogues are the way to go if you want to have a chance to change adults’ minds. According to this research, the best way to foster “debiasing” is to first listen empathetically to skeptics so they feel heard, and after that, raise experiences and facts that invite them to a broader and more nuanced perspective.
But you don’t have to simply take this on faith. Ask yourself these questions:
- Have you ever observed situations where someone’s views were hardened after they experienced a private lecture from someone who thought they knew “the truth”?
- Have you ever observed situations where someone’s views were authentically changed for the better after they experienced a private lecture from someone who thought they knew “the truth”?
- Have ever been times when you someone listened to you empathetically (not necessarily about race) and this experience helped expand your view of a situation?
- Have been times when you listened to someone closely and empathetically (not necessarily about race) and this experience helped someone else expand their view of a situation?
If anti-racism allies are going to change any minds, empathetic listening will likely be important. But, the anti-racism movement should not expect POCs to empathetically listen to white racism skeptics. White people are in a much better position to execute listening-based strategy with people who are skeptical about whether racism is real.
On a daily basis, POCs must endure the indirect expression of white skepticism that racism really matters, and they must do so as they are they are experiencing overt and subtle racism in many parts of their lives. Some people of color might want to choose to have conversations where white people’s racial skepticism is consciously expressed. But it would not be fair to expect people of color to endure this.
This is a workshop for anyone in the who believes racism still exists and has questioned how to approach the topic of race with other white people in their communities. For more info, check out this website: https://www.whiteallytoolkit.com/
If you are unable to pay the $10 cost for the training please contact Muz, muz@seuplift.org, (503) 232-0010 ext 319, for information on how to obtain a scholarship to cover the cost of attending the training.
*Contact Muz at muz@seuplift.org or call (503)232-0010 ext 319 if you require special accommodations.
