White people - why aren't we talking about racism?

If (like me) you thought that as a white person, you weren't a racist so you're doing a good job, think again. 

I've been doing some self-development recently, this book being one I’ve been digging into...

As a result of my reading and reflection, some hard, uncomfortable truths have emerged for me*:

1. I don't see myself as racist so therefore didn't see myself as part of the problem. But my assumption is based on racism being a single act of behaviour, not a systemic issue. It also ignores the privilege I have as a white person, the inability to see myself in the context of racial identities, and the lack of awareness of the deeply internalised whiteness I have. It doesn’t consider the everyday lived experiences of racism that many in this country endure – whether in the workplace, the shopping centre or the sports ground. So, what role do I want to have going forward as an anti-racist?
2. Racism has been "amongst the most complex social dilemmas". Just like sexism is a systemic issue that needed men to recognise the privilege afforded to them, racism is a systemic issue that needs white people to recognise their privilege, call it out and be a part of the solution. We need to focus on having a mindset of curiosity, learning and growth as we question what role we play in perpetuating racism and privilege, rather than moving to defensiveness and anxiety the minute race is brought up or we receive feedback. How defensive have I been rather than curious?
3. So many of us are worried about saying the wrong thing, that we say nothing at all. If as a white person I do nothing to call out racism, then I am part of the problem, not the solution. As many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities have said in this country, ‘silence is compliance’.  Organisations have invested in unconscious bias training and D&I training… what about learning the skills to develop the courage to speak up and have tough conversations? What will I say to call out racism when I see it in action? How will I speak up and be a real ally?

If you, like me, want to be part of organisations that truly value and live diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, it means we have work to do.  White people, we need to talk about racism and understand how we can better address inequalities and injustice at the same time of elevating the voices of Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders, and people of colour. 

There is work to do and it needs us, white people, to step up. We need to do the critical examination of ourselves and our own privilege, to lead, to have tough conversations and to drive change. If you're interested in stepping up, a good start is by reading this book. Then please reach out, I’d love to hear your thoughts.

* I even thought twice about putting this post up and the vulnerability I'm showing - I mean, who am I to talk about race when you go onto our website and we're all white? But, I know that we need to do more as an organisation and that we can help other organisations do better. To quote Brené, “Daring leaders who live into their values are never silent about hard things”. What we don’t talk about doesn’t change.