On Saturday I heard Debby Irving, author of Waking Up White and Finding Myself in the Story of Race speak at First Parish in my home town of Sudbury, Massachusetts. Her presentation was sponsored by the town’s Clergy Association to help those of us living in this white, suburban community to understand the part we play in racism. The goal is to eradicate racism.
Well now, that sounds like a mighty lofty goal, but a goal worth reaching for is always above our grasp, always a life-long challenge. I’m reminded that Jesus tells us to love our neighbor as ourselves. Need I say more?
Intellectually and morally I want racism to be eliminated, BUT, do I want to let go of some of my racial power that supports my racially privileged life? What would that look like? Where to start?
Debby Irving suggests I start by looking at the messages of racism I received as a young child. Advertisements with while, smiling families, schooling, pictures of white presidents, white heroes in history books, family messages of social behavior (smile, be polite, don’t argue). Yours will vary, but if you’re white, you’ll find plenty of similarities.
On her website http://www.debbyirving.com/21-day-challenge/ we are challenged to get educated about our whiteness. There are readings and podcasts: ways to watch and listen out in our world: ways to reach out and be active. There’s even a planning tool in the form of a chart to get you going and keep you on track.
I’ve started!
Well now, that sounds like a mighty lofty goal, but a goal worth reaching for is always above our grasp, always a life-long challenge. I’m reminded that Jesus tells us to love our neighbor as ourselves. Need I say more?
Intellectually and morally I want racism to be eliminated, BUT, do I want to let go of some of my racial power that supports my racially privileged life? What would that look like? Where to start?
Debby Irving suggests I start by looking at the messages of racism I received as a young child. Advertisements with while, smiling families, schooling, pictures of white presidents, white heroes in history books, family messages of social behavior (smile, be polite, don’t argue). Yours will vary, but if you’re white, you’ll find plenty of similarities.
On her website http://www.debbyirving.com/21-day-challenge/ we are challenged to get educated about our whiteness. There are readings and podcasts: ways to watch and listen out in our world: ways to reach out and be active. There’s even a planning tool in the form of a chart to get you going and keep you on track.
I’ve started!