Opening Our Eyes to Racism

Photo by Vince Fleming

The past few weeks, this country has witnessed a storm of violence and devastation, anger and pain, rage and fear, denial and defensiveness. The racism and injustice we continue to encounter in our society and within ourselves is a desperate call to us for change. Yet, many people struggle to know how to respond or what we can do that will actually make a difference.

We must be honest with ourselves. True introspection requires the capacity to observe, to acknowledge and accurately identify what is (and has been) happening, and to be keenly self-aware. Perhaps then, we might understand where to begin.

Observation:

There is a premise of quantum mechanics that the very act of observing something changes the reality of that which is being observed. In highly controlled studies, quantum scientists have found that observing micro particles impacts how the particles behave. I dare not try to explain or understand the technicalities behind quantum physics, but I do see how it applies to human behavior and how we see ourselves. 

Often times, when someone is being watched or observed, it impacts how they respond, either positively or negatively. Do you slow down when you encounter an automated speed detector indicating you are driving fifteen miles over the speed limit? Have you ever felt the presence of someone watching you sleep? Have you witnessed yourself acting mindlessly and autocorrected (e.g. adjusted your posture, taken a deep breath, eaten a little more slowly, listened with intention, etc.)? Sometimes our response is conscious, and sometimes it is sub/unconscious. The act of observing ourselves can dramatically change how we behave.

Identification:

In the field of neuroscience, there is a saying, “Name it to tame it.” This refers to our brain’s ability to regulate (calm itself down) by naming what we are experiencing or feeling. The very act of self-observation and identification of what we feel has the power to defuse impulsive and often counterproductive ways of responding. 

When we accurately name our inner experience, we tame our response, and are more likely to employ the executive and rational regions of the brain to problem-solve and communicate effectively. This is especially helpful when it comes to interpersonal relationships. It can also be effective in identifying a pattern of thought or behavior we would like to change—for example: judgement, assumptions, avoidance, denial, defensiveness… racism. We must first name it for what it is. 

Awareness:

Self-awareness is a growing field of study in social psychology. When we are self-aware, we intentionally direct our attention to our thoughts, feelings, actions, memories, values, and experiences (to name a few), in a relatively objective way. A common phrase in self-awareness is “Just notice.” (e.g. Notice how that memory or association makes you feel. Notice where you feel it in your body.) Being aware of ourselves is an integral process of self-assessment, and it allows us the ongoing opportunity to address, modify, adjust, correct, and change how we interact with ourselves and the world around us.

Application:

American society is once again confronting abominable racial injustice. Sadly, this has been an ongoing and reoccurring battle waged primarily by those who are in positions of least power or influence. The imbalance of power in this country and the resulting humiliation, oppression, trauma, and tragedy suffered by people of color is undeniable and disturbingly commonplace.

The anti-racism movement taking place right now seems to represent a shift in the way many people are responding. Beyond the protests, social media campaigns and calls to action, we are being summoned into awareness. Conservative religious groups with white participants are reading and discussing the book White Fragility, recognizing the countless institutional, legal, socioeconomic and political benefits of being white. Grandchildren are explaining to their grandparents what “systemic racism” means. Major businesses are evaluating their corporate culture and being held accountable to address disparities in racial representation and equal and fair pay.

As a white person, I have been challenged to take a deep, honest and painful look at how I have contributed and benefited from the deeply rooted systemic racism still dictating our society. It has been difficult to know how to respond, how to address, how to change the many terrible self-perpetuating systems of oppression under which our country operates. I have been silent, unsure as to if or how to share my voice in the conversation. Meanwhile, I have been committed to educating myself, listening to stories and interviews, reading lesser known accounts of history, and doing my best to improve my understanding of what it has meant to be a person of color in this country throughout history.

In addition to taking a strong and absolute stand against racism, we must maintain conscious, deliberate and honest self-awareness. If we apply the observer effect from quantum theory, the mere act of observing racial injustice, recognizing immoral and unconscionable discrepancies in human and civil rights and understanding the role we play in perpetuating systemic racism, it could transform the ways we respond and behave. If we candidly name the reality of what has been happening in this country—blatant racism, white privilege, and pervasive injustices— perhaps we can tame the defensive and compensatory ways we respond. In practicing truthful self-awareness, we are able to expand our perspective and hold ourselves accountable. 

The debate and controversy around how to proceed at this pivotal moment in time can feel confusing and conflicted. There might not be one "right" answer in this tangled conundrum, but anything that causes us to think differently, opens our minds and hearts and inspires us to be better and do better can't be “wrong." In this way, rather than returning to the status quo, perhaps will we be able to evolve as a human race, to fulfill this adolescent country’s potential, and to be authentically aligned with what we say we stand for—liberty and justice for ALL.