How Can I Have a Positive Racial Identity? I'm White! | Ali Michael | TEDxCheltenham

Summary

The speaker discusses the importance of addressing 'whiteness' in conversations about race, highlighting that many white people grow up with a colorblind ideology, unaware of how racism affects them. She reflects on her own journey from ignorance to understanding the systemic impact of racism and the need for white people to acknowledge their role in these systems. Emphasizing that talking about race is crucial for change, she argues for building multiracial communities that confront and heal the fractures caused by racism, promoting a society where race truly doesn't matter because it is seen, understood, and addressed.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The speaker emphasizes the importance of discussing whiteness, which is often invisible or unnamed in society, especially among white people.
• 🎓 In education, conversations about race often overlook the predominance of white teachers, administrators, and policymakers, leaving out a crucial part of the picture.
• 🏡 The speaker reflects on growing up in a nearly all-white community, raised with a colorblind ideology that prevented discussions about racism.
• 📚 A college diversity course and exposure to African American literature opened the speaker's eyes to the impact of racism and whiteness on her life and society.
• 👩‍🏫 Racism has been an integral part of American history, affecting both white and black people, with whiteness shaping opportunities and access to resources.
• 🛠 Talking about race is a skill that can be improved with practice, as demonstrated by the speaker's journey from discomfort to greater confidence in these conversations.
• 🇿🇦 The speaker's time in South Africa and working with a black feminist activist helped her understand the deep personal and societal impact of racialized policies.
• 😔 The speaker initially dealt with her white guilt by trying to make others feel guilty too but realized this was not effective for advancing racial justice.
• 📖 A shift occurred when the speaker learned the importance of developing a positive racial identity, which involves understanding the societal context of whiteness and working against internalized superiority.
• 🛠 The ultimate goal of discussing race and racism is to heal and repair the fractures created by racism, building a society where race no longer determines opportunities or outcomes.

Q & A

Why does the speaker find it important to talk about whiteness?

The speaker believes it's important to talk about whiteness because it is often an unnamed or invisible concept in discussions about race, especially for white people. Addressing whiteness is crucial for understanding its impact on racial dynamics and systemic racism.

What realization did the speaker have about their own upbringing in terms of race?

The speaker realized that they grew up in a predominantly white community that was segregated from nearby Black communities. They were raised with a 'colorblind' ideology, which prevented discussions about race and racism, and they did not initially understand how their whiteness impacted their life.

How did the speaker's perspective on race change during college?

The speaker's perspective changed after taking a required African American literature course. This was the first time they had a Black professor and classmates, and it forced them to confront race and racism directly, leading them to realize how deeply racism has shaped American history and their own life.

What did the speaker learn from their experience with their African American literature professor?

The speaker learned that racism has been a pervasive part of American history since its founding and that whiteness has played a central role in their own identity and opportunities. They also realized that talking about race is a skill that can be improved with practice.

What was the speaker's initial approach to addressing racism, and why did they feel it wasn't effective?

The speaker initially believed that feeling guilty about their whiteness and making other white people feel guilty was their contribution to racial justice. However, they realized this approach alienated others and did not create productive conversations or positive change.

What does the speaker mean by a 'positive racial identity' for white people?

A positive racial identity for white people, according to the speaker, involves understanding how whiteness operates in a racially stratified society, acknowledging systemic racism, and working against internalized superiority. It is not about feeling good or bad about being white but rather developing an awareness of the societal context of race.

How does the speaker view the concept of 'colorblindness' when talking about race?

The speaker criticizes 'colorblindness' as a way to ignore the realities of racism. They argue that not talking about race allows the status quo to continue and prevents addressing historical and systemic injustices.

What personal experiences influenced the speaker's understanding of racial issues?

The speaker's understanding was influenced by their education, particularly their interactions with their Black professor, their experience studying in South Africa, and working with a Black South African activist. These experiences helped them see the deep impact of racialized policies and history.

What was the speaker's experience with discussing race in their own family, especially with their children?

The speaker struggled with how to teach their children about race, initially feeling unsure how to counteract the 'colorblind' upbringing they had. A conversation with their friend from South Africa made them realize the importance of embracing their child's identity fully, including their whiteness, as part of teaching them about race.

What is the speaker's vision for the purpose of discussing race and racism?

The speaker believes that discussing race and racism should aim to heal the fractures caused by these issues and build a society where race truly does not matter—not by ignoring it, but by confronting its history and working together across racial lines to create a more just and equitable world.