In Exploring Whiteness, we will dig into ‘whiteness’ as a predominantly invisible social identity to white people; and how historically speaking, it’s been people of color who have done the work of understanding race, racism & identity. If you want to “do the work” of your own relationship to race & racial identity, join us. Engage with others pushing the boundaries of their comfort zones by engaging experimentation and exploration of whiteness through dialogue, reflection, observation, action.
Who: A small group of you and up to 8 others who want to “do the work” of understanding white as a race.
When: One 90 minute gathering each week, for 1 month (4 sessions).
Where: Zoom link provided upon enrollment.
Prerequisites:
Understand the basic concepts & language for race & racism, racial consciousness, anti-racism, prejudice, bias, white privilege, white supremacy etc. The group is not a historical plunge into understanding racism, but rather, specifically about ‘whiteness’.
Underlying assumptions:
Raising racial consciousness is fundamental to majority cultures coming to understand how they perpetuate racism – and thus oppression – often without intention to do so.
Healing racism requires acknowledging discomfort and proceeding anyway.
It’s our responsibility as social creatures to understand our various identities. In this course, the focus is whiteness.
Sustained change happens in small groups (up to 8 people).
Personal reflection, active practices and opportunities for dialogue are critical parts of [racial consciousness] development.
Introspection, a willingness to dialogue, reflect, get uncomfortable & practice integrating new ways of being is required for transformative change.
Group setting provides accountability for taking real action.
