the crybby book club discussion

Hello ... again :]

Before we officially start The Bluest Eye, I would like to challenge everyone in this group to post one implicit racial bias of themselves. And then list a solution or thought process on how you can improve yourself.

https://www.jrsa.org/pubs/factsheets/...
https://online.maryville.edu/blog/add...

I find it truly important for everyone to look deep down inside, recognize, admit and correct these types of implicit biases. It is not easy and is meant to be worked on over time.

No pressure and no judgement, here, because our book club is meant to be a safe space for sharing AND learning.

I know our group can and will sympathize during the read, but sympathy in an active rights movement is not enough, we must follow up with action(s); you can join public groups and advocate or privately learn to better educate yourself, family and friends.

If we can be vulnerable for a hot moment and list one implicit racial bias about ourselves, we are then in the process of challenging ourselves, changing ourselves, and is one step further in making a safer space for the people around us.

And since I am proposing this challenge, I will go ahead and list mine first:

I have more friends that look like me than not.

I am trying to learn more about other people's culture. I remind myself what I learn on my own doesn't always mean I actually know shit, so I need to inquire from the people of the culture, meaning, I have to put out effort to seek out their bookclubs, their scene, etc. (easier said than done, I KNOW, because lordy know I'm an awkward mess, plus it's scary immersing yourself into a foreign environment). I want to be educated enough so that I can hold a conversation. Instead of always trying to teach others about my Vietnamese heritage, I will be more intentional about asking others of their families and culture.

I am really looking forward to hearing from everyone.

Patsy

It's great that you're opening this up to discussion. It's always important to check ourselves and others - it's easy to fall into "performative activism", so this is one way to do more!

I was actually thinking about implicit bias the other day while I was driving through downtown GR - I suddenly had this fear and the need to check if my doors were locked. And I thought to myself, why?... Just because I was in an area that presented "low-class", why did I suddenly feel unsafe? I felt guilty - especially because I was just in Ada the day before, and not once did I check if my doors were locked...

And I realized this is an implicit bias that I have. Poverty/low-class does not equal crime and danger.

Well, that's easy to say, right? Of course, danger can exist in anyone. But it's more so, that I need to confront myself about my feelings towards POC in lower socioeconomic status. It's important that I do this as well because now as a nurse, I may encounter these individuals as patients, and I would hate for the quality of my care to be less than because of my implicit bias...

Tiffani that was the first one that popped into my head too. Last night I went to this event in GR called Hipster Disco and it was at this Theater called Four Star right on Division and Burton. If you are not familiar with the area, it is a run down neighborhood that is associated with crime. I was meeting friends so I had to walk in alone. I ended up having to search for parking on the side streets around the area. I thought to myself "I'm going to get murdered". Would I have felt that same way in a different area that is seen as more "high class"?
I've read a few books about race and unconscious biases in the past 2 years. I've wanted to learn how I can be better and more knowledgeable of what POC are struggling with. I however STILL don't know how to stop myself from feeling that way. I don't know how to not feel fear when I see a POC (usually a male) walking down the street when I'm alone walking the dog or feel unsafe in lower class neighborhoods that I check if my doors are locked. I tell myself that I shouldn't feel that way, that it's unfair, and that I am being unconsciously racist. Yet the next time i am in that situation I feel it again. Is being aware and fighting it enough? Is there more I can do to erase those biases?

thank you, for being so vulnerable and honest, ya'll. I completely understand what you guys mean. I always end up asking myself afterwards, "what's the difference between walking pass a black man, a white man, an asian man, and/or a middle eastern man." each group provokes a different thought and feeling and like alyson phrased, "is there more I can do to erase those biases?" I'll do some research/reading and if I see anything that seems beneficial to us/something that we can attempt practicing, I will post here.

How to Be an Antiracist

Would like to pop this book recommendation here as well if no one has read it, yet. Dr. Kendi is someone I truly respect; he is a wonderful educator. He calls people out but does not shame them, but rather, compassionately teaches them.

Essays by Dr. Kendi - https://www.theatlantic.com/author/ib...

https://www.rw-3.com/blog/6-ways-to-b... - nothing new but i wanted to share the last point on this one because it's interesting. what do you guys think? valid point or an excuse?

also, how does everyone feel about mannerism and language picked up from other cultures? specifically black culture with all the media. i have also personally have picked up quite a few habits after moving to the south. is this considered appropriation?

I am leaning more towards valid point because when it do have those moments where I think implicit biases it's usually automatic and not something I process until I think it. My hand instantly goes to lock my doors, my heart instantly increases, and I feel alert. I will have to start using the steps to break those thoughts. I think I already do some of them but I can do more.