What does it mean to be secure in "racial identity"? How would we know if someone is secure in their racial identity? Would they behave differently? act differently? Do we want students to be secure in their racial identity? My son is currently attending UAlbany where the student population is now 60% minority. He notes how walking around campus, students in social situations gravitate toward people of similar racial backgrounds despite the fact that they live together and attend classes together. Is this because they are racially insecure? or is it because they are racially secure?
I am not sure fostering trust is the correct goal. I think the question is how can we respect other people's culture and backgrounds and how can we create more opportunities for cooperation rather than competition. So long as we view life as having winners and losers, we will instinctually take every opportunity to win even if that means reverting to racism.
We engage in conversations that allow people to tell their stories and we learn from their stories. We remember that learning is not about facts and data; it is about human connections. Facts and data are only useful in helping us understand our part in the world and how we fit with others.
I am not sure fostering trust is the correct goal. I think the question is how can we respect other people's culture and backgrounds and how can we create more opportunities for cooperation rather than competition. So long as we view life as having winners and losers, we will instinctually take every opportunity to win even if that means reverting to racism.
We engage in conversations that allow people to tell their stories and we learn from their stories. We remember that learning is not about facts and data; it is about human connections. Facts and data are only useful in helping us understand our part in the world and how we fit with others.