Are you interested in understanding and addressing racism in today’s society? Do you know how to approach people who may be racist but are not aware of it? If you want to be a part of the solution to create a more equitable and inclusive society, then you must listen to the podcast episode featuring Daniel Balmer.
Most people who are racist do not see themselves as such, and this is because they define racism in a very limited way. For them, if they are not wearing a white sheet and burning crosses, they are not racist. However, addressing this issue is essential for creating a more equitable and inclusive society. The motivation to improve must come from within the very people who may be blind to their racism.
Daniel Balmer, a self-proclaimed “racist in recovery,” shares his journey to self-awareness and offers unique approaches to successfully addressing racism in people who live in denial. He teaches us to approach the topic of racism without triggering the defensive mechanism in our subconscious, which protects our belief that we are “a good person.”
Balmer offers us many valuable tools to help others to see and address their racism without feeling attacked. For example, he suggests that we open up first about our own biases and prejudices, which creates a non-threatening environment for the other person to do the same. He also offers us the White Supremacy Pyramid as a visual aid to talk about the different levels of behavior and where exactly people draw the line on what is racist and what is not racist.
Moreover, Balmer emphasizes the importance of patience and understanding that real change happens slowly, not suddenly. And he urges us to think of ourselves as someone who wants to lower tension and liberate minds. One of the benefits to people who emerge from the grip of having to defend themselves from accusations of racism is the freedom to grow and experience less tension.
In conclusion, we all have biases and prejudices, but what matters is that we acknowledge them and work to address them. By listening to this podcast episode, you will gain valuable insights and tools to help yourself and others to become more self-aware, compassionate, and inclusive. Let us all work together to create a society where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued.
You can listen to this episode now on any device by clicking here to access it on your favorite podcast app.