Having clear and open dialogue about vital topics like race helps us to understand each other more deeply. These discussions, while often uncomfortable, help increase awareness of others’ opinions and beliefs. The goal is to facilitate learning and personal growth, leading to evolved thoughts or behaviors.
Ultimately, awareness leads to empathy and it’s not uncommon for our minds to change and to grow as we learn more about cultural issues, such as racial injustice. However, learning how to talk effectively with your friends, family, colleagues, or classmates amplifies this powerful experience.
How to Approach Conversations About Race
The first step toward success when talking about serious and emotional subjects is to be clear and open about the purpose of the conversation. In some instances, setting ground rules for respectful engagement can be beneficial. For instance, practice attentive listening by refraining from speaking over others, or consider setting a time limit for each participant’s input.
Choose the approach that you think will result in the most productive experience. This likely will vary depending on the setting you’re speaking in. If you’re speaking with people who are close to you, you may not need to set the same boundaries as colleagues or classmates. That ultimately depends on you, your comfort level, and those around you.
Open-Minded Conversations Prevail
Addressing contentious topics like race demands an open mindset, allowing for differing views. Productive conversations prioritize active listening and acknowledging other people’s experiences before passing judgement. Everyone has a unique perspective shaped by their culture, upbringing, where they grew up, and more, leading to different experiences regarding identity or race.
Note: If things start to get too uncomfortable for the conversation to be constructive, take a break.
Remember that one conversation can’t erase deeply rooted racial issues. The goal is to make a thoughtful and realistic commitment to personal growth and learning from others. This commitment will help break down thoughts about race passed down from generation to generation.
How to Initiate a Conversation
Sometimes, initiating a conversation is as simple as just asking direct questions. For instance, “How do you feel about what’s happening in today’s world? What change do you think needs to be made? What is your racial identity? Do you think you experience privilege?
Speaking About Race Respectfully
To expand your knowledge about the topic and to make your conversations more productive and respectful, learn more about terms like unconscious bias, marginalized, race, racism, privilege, stereotypes, systemic racism, and racial injustice, to start. Not only do these conversations bring awareness, but they allow us as a society to learn and grow from one another.
Elevate the impact of your conversations by exploring our Online Diversity Training and using our Diversity Calendar. These resources empower you to actively contribute to inclusivity and growth.