PT Racial Equity Challenge
Day 5: Talking About Race
How often does a conversation about race turn to silence or create division among friends, family, or colleagues? Why does this happen? Many people think that talking about race is “taboo” or have been taught to avoid the topic entirely. Others may fear the topic due to a lack of experiential learning or inability to articulate feelings. Whatever the reason, engaging in the 21-Day Racial Equity Challenge may help build your confidence to participate in conversations about race to help better our community.
Did you know that 64% of Black adults said that their family talked to them about challenges related to race while they were growing up (32% said that these conversations happened often)? Comparatively, according to the Pew Research Center, 90% of White adults said that their families rarely had these types of conversations.
What can you do? First, ask yourself if you are comfortable engaging in a conversation about race with those with whom you identify. Next, have a conversation about race with someone who is racially or ethnically different from you. You may feel uncomfortable in either situation, especially if you have not yet been exposed to this type of dialogue or are not sure how to get started. Maybe you worry about saying the “wrong” thing, being misunderstood, causing harm, or damaging a relationship. If this sounds familiar, you are not alone! Follow the steps below for helpful tips and supportive examples to improve your conversations about race.
Step 1: Read
3 Minutes
Yes, You Must Talk About Race At Work:
3 Ways To Get Started
(hover/tap for more info)
Talking About Race
From Forbes, this article addresses racial conversations in the workplace.
Step 2: Watch
5+ Minutes
Step 3: Read
5+ Minutes
10 Tips on Talking to Kids About Race and Racism
(hover/tap for more info)
10 Tips on Talking to Kids About Race and Racism
This article from PBS helps parents navigate the complex topic of race with their kids.
Step 4: Read
10+ Minutes
Ten Lessons for Talking About Race, Racism, and Racial Justice
(hover/tap for more info)
Ten Lessons for Talking About Race, Racism, and Racial Justice
This article provides examples of common race problems, solutions and actions you can take.
Reflection
How often have you been in social settings where the majority of individuals have been of a different race or ethnicity? When you hear others making biased comments, do you speak up? Have you spoken to your children or parents about race; how do generational perspectives differ? What makes you uncomfortable about discussing race?