Week 3 “Unraveling Racism: Real Conversations, Real Change”
By Peter Bolland pg 80 in the SOM Magazine
Mr. Bolland provides us with an important and powerful article. He
features the “White Allies Toolkit” from the work of David Campt at the
top of the page. He invites us to finally put the issue of racism in our
New Thought work.
(Q) Have you ever thought that white allies can and are critical to the
healing of racism? If so, can you share or remember some examples?
Campt is educating us with clues that can forward the healing of racism.
He begins with the story of a Unitarian minister, Rev James Reeb in
1965 supporting African Americans to register to vote here in Selma,
Alabama. Can you offer some comments about this story? I know I can
because I was a young girl living in that time here in Alabama.
In our teaching we know the term “safe place” but now we are called to
hold a “brave place.” Conversations here can be difficult, painful, and
uncomfortable. From Tim Wise’s book, “Dear White America” to name
a few, he compels us to confront racism…that is white people seeing
racism as a white person’s problem and must be solved by white
people.
(Q) What is your stand on this issue? Do you agree that it is the
responsibility of the white population to step up to the healing of these
issues?
Bolland says, “As students of New Thought, we are keenly aware that
we do not see the world as it is; we see the world as we are. We
acknowledge that any real of meaning full spiritual transformation
begins with a courageous act of introspection.” Knowing that we see
the world as we are, how does this apply to racism?
(Q) Are you ready to look deeply and honestly into your thoughts,
feelings, and beliefs?
FOCUSING ON THE RACISM SKEPTIC PF 81
Notice where Bolland writes, “Throughout our cultural discourse,
brave people are daring to peel back the layers of shame and denial
that hide from us the last frontier of our awakening. For some in our
teaching there is another way of hiding from the fact of racism; some
even miss the thoughts and beliefs within due to spiritual bypass. Even
with our highest intentions, we can fail to see white privileges hidden in
the racial roots of our subconscious. Let’s face it….racism is not a
feeling; it is a measurable fact.
(Q) How do you feel about the problem of racism? (If you are white),
do you realize and are in touch with your thinking?
Mr. Campt is being at cause when it comes to racism. He travels the
country lecturing and giving workshops to make awareness about this
subject. He calls this training “The White Allies Toolkit’ promoting
transformative conversations with white racism-skeptic friends,
relatives, and colleagues.
(Q) How can we prepare ourselves to become the necessary white
allies in today’s world?
Campt offers us a way to prepare:
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THE R. A. C. E. METHOD
1. “The first step is to reflect. What do I need to do to remain in an
open and empathic listening mode? How can I avoid falling into
the old habits of argument, judgement and condemnation?”
2. The second step is to ask.” What are the key questions I can ask?
How can I gently guide them to talk not about their beliefs and
opinions, but about the personal experience that led to those
opinions?”
3. The third step is to connect.” Tell stories that reflect and support
the sharing. Look for places where you can agree and understand.
4. The fourth and final step is to expand. Once you have some
points of agreement, dig further until you see the reality of racial
discrimination today. Share your own experiences to stimulate
recognition of racism.
(Q) Do you see yourself being able to engage in conversations with
others? Do you feel comfortable starting a conversation?
BECOMING A WHITE ALLY
(Q) What would becoming an ally look like to you? What would be
hard about having what I call “the impossible conversation” with
anyone? Share your feelings and fears. What does “hard” look like
to you?
Bolland states that being a white ally is our moral obligation and
should be considered a force for good. White people have the
power and should exercise their power accordingly because it is the
only way to “unravel the stranglehold racism” has here in America.
Again we honor and bless the mission to embrace all the colors of love!