racism

What a wonderful world

How would the world change if we were more understanding of prejudice and stereotyping, and less tolerant of racism?

I think we would begin to recognise that prejudice and stereotyping are often rooted in ignorance and lived experience rather than malice. Racism, by contrast, is intentional and harmful. Yet we frequently treat prejudice and stereotyping as though they will inevitably metastasise into racism, rather than addressing them with curiosity and education. As a result, we cross the street before we need to, shutting down dialogue and learning before it has a chance to occur.

Time out

As I have grown older, I have become less concerned with the opinions of others. Too many people today are living their lives through the expectations, judgments, and projections of those around them. We see individuals performing versions of themselves rather than showing up authentically, often amplified by virtue signalling and curated identities on social media.

When I worked in the lifestyle industry, I used to tell my children that my role was to sell and market the dream to clients, not to live inside it myself. That distinction mattered. It taught me the importance of discernment and of separating external narratives from personal truth. Why should I allow myself to be shaped by the opinions of people around the world who do not know me, yet feel entitled to dictate how I should live my life?

Social constraints

Race may be a social construct, but racism is a very real system. If we think of racism as a system, it becomes clear that its operation doesn’t depend on who is in charge. Whether the hands steering it are Black, brown, or white, the system continues to function as designed. In the West, the individual successes of middle-class Black people are almost always deeply connected to the collective struggles and advances made by working-class Black communities. Yet, paradoxically, it is often the working-class Black individuals who see the least benefit from these advances.

““There is an understanding of diversity as the difference that brings no difference and the change that brings no change.””
— Angela Davis

Throwback Thursday

I don’t think Black people are in the position to be racist because Black people do not have the power or control over the economy, politics, education, recruitment, housing, etc., etc. And if you are in doubt, please watch the “Jane Elliott experiment“ from 1968, it’s a 6 minute video.

““The denial of racism is essential for the survival of racism.””
— Jane Elliott

We can do better

How does racism evolve?
I think racism is a learned behaviour. As children we learn that there is a hierarchical system based on gender, skin colour, religion, social class, and all of the messages convey an idea of superiority for certain societal groups. For example, Black people have been portrayed as inferior, as subhuman, as criminals, as stupid, etc. We are presented with all these narratives on a daily basis in the media, in literature, and in advertisements. This is how we learn from a very young age to internalise the view that being Black is something negative.

““No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.””
— Nelson Mandela
,

The pathway to growth

,

Image c/o McKinsey & Company

Which term accurately describes the issue: racism, discrimination, or prejudice? When these words come to mind, do they empower me and make me stronger, or do they weaken me and promote dissolution?

Integrating language effectively into action is essential for effective communication. It's crucial to ensure that what you say aligns with who you are as your audience evaluates your genuineness and trustworthiness based on this alignment. I think if you approach communication with honest inquiry and ensure that every word reflects your truth, you're on the path to growth - a golden pathway. On Thursday 7th March, Chiara Marmugi will be the facilitator, Phaedria Marie St. Hilaire and myself will be sharing our perspectives and insights on the complex realities of racism in Denmark. Sign up here.

““To make difference in someone’s life, you don’t have to be rich, beautiful or perfect. You just have to care.””
— Unknown