tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7445804812952548378.post1284041129241892490..comments2023-05-24T02:24:55.368-06:00Comments on GreenLeaf Denver: Diggin' up my privilegeLeahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05245847536994539056noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7445804812952548378.post-23011482457849889882009-10-30T01:39:32.602-06:002009-10-30T01:39:32.602-06:00Interesting question. Like you, I am white. Unlike...Interesting question. Like you, I am white. Unlike you, I presume, I grew up in an overtly racist culture, i.e. Mississippi in the 50's and 60's.<br /><br />I don't really know the answer to the question but do know a related question and have an observation that may be relevant.<br /><br />How is it that we allow ourselves 'self awareness' to any degree? Aside from the courage to examine our inner selves, where does the ability to do so come from and how can we cultivate it? I don't think awareness of our internal conditions, including a racial awareness/perspective/bias, is possible without an act of will that gives an inner part of us permission to do so.<br /><br />The observation: my contemplation of this question has led me to conclude that it is "otherness", the quality of being differenct from me, that is the root impulse that we recognize as racism. How is racism differenct from sexism, ageism, sexual orientation bias, language bias, economic status bias, educational bias, etc.? <br /><br />If we are not secure enough in our own existence to accept ourselves, we have difficulty accepting the infinite diversity of others.Qaliburhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06774116321650859373noreply@blogger.com