Menu Close

Why is it important to talk about race and racism?

Why is it important to talk about race and racism?

In engaging on topics around race, racism, and racial justice, this is particularly important. We all know that people throughout the country are in very different places when it comes to their understanding of racial justice issues and their willingness to talk about them.

Why do we need to work with different ethnic groups?

Whether you want to make sure your children get a good education, bring quality health care into your communities, or promote economic development, there is a good chance you will need to work with people from several different racial, language, ethnic, or economic groups.

Why do we need to talk about racial justice?

Please note that while there are many reasons to communicate with various audiences about racial justice issues, this memo focuses on messaging with the primary goal of persuading them toward action. There are many times when people need to communicate their anger, frustration, and pain to the world and to speak truth to power.

What are some common themes in the conversation about race?

The point in doing this is not to argue against each theme point by point, but to understand what stories are happening in people’s heads when we try to start a productive conversation. A few common themes include: The idea that racism is “largely” over or dying out over time. People of color are obsessed with race.

Do you think racism is a right or wrong issue?

When it concerns racism, after all, very few people would be in dispute about right and wrong. With the exception of extremists, no one would wish to endorse racism; just about all of us know nasty racist behaviour when we see it.

What’s the most common theme in talking about racism?

A few common themes include: The idea that racism is “largely” over or dying out over time. People of color are obsessed with race. Alleging discrimination is itself racist and divisive. Claiming discrimination is “playing the race card,” opportunistic, hypocritical demagoguery.

Can a person be held responsible for racism?

For then, it becomes too easy merely to blame “the system,” whatever that system may be. There can never be any responsibility attributed to racism – you could never hold anyone accountable for racism – because it is all a product of intangible social and political forces.