User:CourtneyCraun/sandbox

Healing Racism
Racism occurs when there is a prejudice against another race and a determination to find them inferior. In order to heal racism we must realize the oneness of humankind, all while maintaining our diversity. We must realize that everyone regardless of their skin color is human and we are all the "same". To be human means we have the ability to have an imagination, the ability to have thought, the ability to comprehend experiences and the ability to remember and have a memory.

What Do We Do?
In order to fully heal racism there must be an understanding of what lies behind the racism and what lies within it. There must be an acknowledgement that racism is a commitment to false beliefs, an understanding of what White privilege is and its impacts, understanding and acknowledgement that racism is institutionalized, the ability to embrace human oneness and the willingness to take the necessary steps towards healing racism. Dr. Michael Kimmel stated in a lecture, "Privilege is invisible to those who have it." There must be an understanding and realization that this does exist; and this is the first step we need to take in healing racism in society. The second most important aspect to healing racism that we must consider is the fact that racism is absolutely institutionalized. It is everywhere. We must take down these structures that continue to consciously or unconsciously support racism; healing racism is not simply changing the attitudes and behaviors of the individuals, it is about changing the system. Healing racism is similar to the "Don't ask, Don't tell" statement. If racism continues to appear "non-existent" then it will continue. However by starting the healing process the invisible rule of "Don't Talk" becomes broken.