June 17, 2018 Eracism Minute - Linda Fels

June 17, 2018 Eracism Minute

Hi, I'm Linda Fels and I don't like to ROCK THE BOAT.

CONFLICT? Not my thing.

Expressing STRONG EMOTIONS. I'd rather not.

EMBRACING DISCOMFORT as a pathway to growth. Hmm.

Of all the behaviors and beliefs that our dominant white culture uses to hold racial
barriers in place, Like valuing OUTCOMES over PROCESS, FACTS over EMOTIONS,
COMPETITION over COOPERATION, EITHER/OR thinking and STATUS, CONFLICT AVOIDANCE is the one most INGRAINED in me.

But if I WANT TO DISMANTLE racism and change our society, I have work to do.

I pledge to become comfortable giving and getting HONEST FEEDBACK.

I pledge to value AMBIGUITY and PROCESS.

I pledge to embrace DISCOMFORT and VULNERABILITY.

I pledge to let hard CONVERSATIONS UNFOLD at their own pace and in their own way.

And when I FEEL strong emotions or discomfort in a situation, OR I notice ANOTHER PERSON feeling discomfort or strong emotions to BE AWARE ENOUGH to ask myself:
“Am I BUMPING UP against an attitude that no longer serves me?” And “Can I LET IT GO?”

That's the work.

STAYING AWARE, BEING HONEST WITH MYSELF and LETTING GO TO HEAL.