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Tool to Fight Racism
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Strides have been made since the days of the civil rights movement in the U.S., but racial equality is still a work in progress. Lilla Marigza shows us a tool some are using to open a dialogue about race in America. |
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SCRIPT:
(Locator: Indianapolis, Indiana)Facilitator: “If your relatives or ancestors could not go to college or university because of their race, take one step back.”
A simple exercise helps participants understand more of what minority Americans face every day.
Facilitator: “If you expect an inheritance from a family member, take one step forward.”
The goal of this workshop at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Indianapolis is to get people to confront the uncomfortable issue of racism.
Workshop participant: “People aren’t willing to come forward and have open discussions. There’s no dialogue about race in this country. Certainly not enough.”
Sondra Wheeler, Professor of Christian Ethics, Wesley Theological Seminary: “Now there are of course people who I think even sincerely and in good conscience think, ‘Okay, so right, we did that, we freed the slaves, we went through the civil rights movement and the changes in civil rights law. We dismantled the Jim Crow structures…’ And I think that in many people’s experience that does seem to have resolved it.”
The United Methodist Church hopes groups will use this program as a guide to create dialogue and fight discrimination.
Mike Coppes, St. Luke’s United Methodist Church: “I was listening to a black man speak. And I had opinions about him before he ever spoke based upon just the tone of his voice, the color of his skin. I had those judgments about him with no basis whatsoever. It hurt. It just really hurt.”
Sharon White, Workshop Participant: “It shows that just because you grew up one way doesn’t mean you have to be stuck in that position.”
Julie Towle, Workshop Participant: “The choices that we make today are important in moving together.”
Facilitator: “If you were ever called names because of your race or ethnic culture, take one step back.”
Sharon White: “It’s for all of us. And it’s a healing process. Our healing happens when we talk about it and are able to share our experiences.”
TAG:
A 16-minute video provides the basis for group discussion on racism and white privilege.
The video is co-produced by the General Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns and the General Commission on Religion and Race and is available in two parts on YouTube: Truth & Wholeness part 1, Truth & Wholeness part 2.
There is also a leader’s study guide available.
Posted: February 24, 2010