“Whites Confronting Racism”

Ewa Janczewska

 

Here is information about the workshop that I took part in on April 21-23^rd.

 

WHO IS THIS WORKSHOP FOR?

“This workshop is for white people who are upset by the racism around them and in their own heads and hearts and who are searching for a way to begin their work for racial justice. It's for people who already do anti-racism work but want to enhance their skills and deepen their approach. And it's for anybody who wants a better understanding of how racism operates in society and in us.”

 

It was an extraordinary weekend where I got a chance to think and talk about:

· my different identities (gender, ethnicity, class, religion/spirituality, culture, sexual orientation)

· learned about I.S.I (Ideal Self Image) and what is my core self really about, how I can define it – interesting experience to actually say it aloud

· 500 years of U.S. history that made me realize how little I know and amount of work I have ahead of me

· I noticed my color, my race and all the privileges that come along with it

· Acts of racism in every day life in America

· Intervention skills and the action plan-what I can do to change it

· Learn key terms such as: Racism, Prejudice, Discrimination, White Culture, Privilege, Mainstream and Margin, Diversity, Internalized Oppression, Cumulative Impact of Racism, Collusion, Intent/Impact

· Levels of Racism- that is can happen consciously and unconsciously, it can be covert or overt but also that it can take place on the individual, group and system level

How Racism Expresses Itself and a lot more.

 

Here are two great facilitators: Sarah and Molly

 

                            

 

 

 

Workshop focus and approach.

 

 

Visual representation of my

I.S.I, core self and hidden self.

 

 

Some interesting literature on the subject:

 

 

It is difficult to describe the impact this workshop had on me. People say that once you realize the color of your white skin it is difficult not to pay attention to all the intolerance that is happening around you. It was difficult already before the workshop so I can not imagine what it is gong to be like now. The difference may be that I will want to do something about it this time. You start to feel the urge to change it, not to be a part of the system that is unequal but continuously clams its equality.

It was a huge eye-opener for me. I feel lucky and grateful that I was a part of it. There is also an anxiety that I have inside me knowing what I know.

There is a huge work I have to do fighting my own prejudices and trying to be a meaningful ally to the people of color. I like what Sarah kept reminding the participants about “It is a life long journey”.

 

Ewa Janczewska