Reflection On Race And Ethnicity

I enjoyed hearing from Mellody Hobson. The message she sends is powerful and articulates what all white people need to hear, and practice. I agree with her assertion that there is a dominant discourse about talking about race and ethnicity and I believe that most white people are afraid to broach the subject because a) either they believe there is no racism or ethnic discrimination b) they feel a sense of shame and guilt about what they think and feel towards those who are ethnically diverse or c) they fear feeling uncomfortable and do not want to acknowledge their privilege. My experience talking about gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, Indigeneity, social class, age, ability, or religion in my personal life is quite open and conversations I feel comfortable having; when any of these identity factors arise in a conversation I tend to be the first to acknowledge the identity factor, show curiosity and ask questions. Furthermore, I attempt to …show more content…
My partner is Black as is my step-daughter, therefore all members of my immediate family on my husband’s side are ethnically diverse so the conversation of ethnic discrimination, oppression, marginalization, white privilege and diversity come up in my house daily, and that is not an overgeneralization. Furthermore, living in Hawaii many people outside of our home talk in a similar manner surrounding ethnicity and diversity, thus our conversations are taken to the streets and to others homes. While I am not challenged in becoming “colour brave”, I am challenged by the sheer ignorance of others who continue to perpetuate stereotypes and oppressive systemic policies and beliefs, therefore I have to remain aware of my response and consciously manage my emotional response to people who do not understand how oppressive their actions and statements are, when they talk about or treat people who are diversely