Meeting 2 Takeaways
Thanks everyone for another wonderful meeting! Here are some takeaways from today’s meeting that Faith compiled:
- American culture being the “right” culture is ingrained into us from very early on because for many it is all we’ve been exposed to. Schools don’t teach other cultures, and when we learn our history, it is often from the eyes of Americans. This leads to us not getting an honest and comprehensive picture of such and perpetuates racism and the idea that other cultures are “inferior.” Schools not providing such is not the fault of the teachers but rather the fault of the institution because of curriculum, time constraint, and fear of coming across as too liberal or biased.
- People are a product of their time, but thinking like your time can be stopped, and people can develop progressive mindsets. Don’t write off older generations.
- All people, even those we typically place on pedestals (TJ, Lincoln, GW etc), are flawed and there is more to them than we will ever learn about in school. Nuances of these people matter.
- America is an experiment and a work in progress. We are flawed in more ways than one, but there are also beauties and freedoms enjoyed here that aren’t seen elsewhere. It is perfectly okay to recognize that and feel pride for your country AND recognize its flaws and want better for it. It’s not an either/or; it can be a both/and.
- Many fear not knowing what to say or others not wanting to listen because of being surrounded by people who are set in their beliefs when it comes to race discussions. There is a lot of speaking and not a lot of listening which prevents progress. You must be able to sit back and listen to others and hear where they are coming from if you want there to be a chance of reaching them. Even if you don’t change their mind, listening and building your argument are important skills and will only better prepare you for the next conversation.
- Even if you don’t change anyone’s mind, keep educating and discussing within your sphere. Each conversation you have plants a seed and that can lead to future transformations. Don’t get discouraged and give up because the conversation didn’t go as planned or end in a changed mind. This is a long term project. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.