An end of year recap, reflection, and call to action. Dug this episode?
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Series inspired by https://www.biwa-emergentequity.com/ guiding principles and Decolonization Wheel by way of https://www.movebold.ly/:
1) During childhood or immigration to the U.S, a POC begins to understand the distinction between two groups: white and not white. This realization comes about through racist stereotypes, images, and prejudices against people of color.
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2) POC process the psychological trauma of these stereotypes in different ways, which can include dissociating from cultures and upbringings. To fit in, POC may use characteristics attributed to being white as a model for humanity. This can include mimicking white behaviors, materialism, and physical features, which allows us to avoid association with racist imagery.
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3) Confusion, depression, anger, and resentment are a few emotions POC may experience about not being white. This can result in self-hatred and/or hatred towards others with similar features. At this stage, POC may deny that the psychological trauma has any impact on our behavior, actions, and wellness.
4) Temporary self-exclusion and isolation from white people while immersing ourselves into our own culture is a necessary development for Indigenous and other POC. This stage allows for the time and space needed to deal with the problems within. Some may remain in this stage for years.
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5) Many Indigenous people and people of color are born into a life of trauma. This trauma is passed down generationally, impacting our mental and physical state, but is hard to recognize. We start to build awareness through experiences of mistreatment, conversation with family and peers, and questioning the status quo. In this stage, we start to yearn for a deep level of knowledge and understanding of our place in the world.
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6) With the deliberate elimination of Indigenous culture and history in American school systems, communities of color suffer from absence of knowledge and lack of identity. This stage is important for gaining an understanding of the political, social, and cultural realities of Indigenous people and other POC, provides perspective, and helps prevent the division of people of color perpetuated by racism.
7) In this stage, Indigenous people and other POC learn how to break through internalized racism and begin self healing. This can include staying physically and mentally healthy, giving ourselves room to experience the feelings of injustice, and moving on one step at a time.
8) In this stage, we take actions towards group healing. This includes engaging and taking action with Indigenous people, communities of color, and white anti-racist activists.
9) Challenging racist moments individually is important, but the process of empowerment is a collective community obligation. In this stage, we might organize for collective power, social justice, and transformation, create projects that promote leadership for people of color, and develop formal and informal systems of accountability within our community.
