Jews Talk Racial Justice - S2E19: When You Overhear Microaggressions
QUICK EPISODE OVERVIEW
Way back in episode 2, April and Tracie spoke about better alternatives to some of the micro-aggressive things white-identified Jews often say to Jews of Color. So what happens if you overhear someone else trot out a micro-aggressive question or comment? What can you do? What should you do? How can you interrupt the oppression without falling into saviorism? April and Tracie dig into this question and offer some strategies for both disrupting the oppression and supporting the person on the receiving end of it.
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DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Tracie introduces us to the theme of this week’s podcast by recalling a question she received about how a white person can act as, what April pointed out as a bystander when they observe another white person engaging in a microaggression. Can you think of a time when you have witnessed such an example? How, if at all, did you respond in the moment?
April and Tracie talk a lot about microaggressions in this episode, so take a moment and think, how would I explain what a microaggression is to someone unfamiliar with the term?
April’s answer to this question is for the white person to integrate themselves into a conversation like this or make their presence known in other ways through body language. What would this look like for you? Imagine yourself in a situation and how you might respond. If someone made their presence known in a situation in which you were targeted by a microaggression, how would this reaction make you feel?
April offers a template for how to start and navigate a conversation that interrupts and redirects the conversation in a way that respects the spirits of the people in front of them and also navigates the dynamics of oppression happening. What would a conversation look like for you within the spheres you operate and are in community?
April and Tracie recognize that not everyone wants someone to intervene in these moments and that it is important to honor that. April talks about relying on using our presence and energy to influence and pattern interrupt. What are ways you can cultivate a confident and grounded presence?
Tracie gives an example response that offers a redirection that also serves as a direct reproach, pointing out an example of when the Jewishness of Tracie, a white Jew, isn’t questioned in the same ways as a Jew of Color. What are other examples that might work?
April reflects on allies in her life that have given her subtle signs of support in spaces she has been where oppressive dynamics have been at play. What are ways you can do the same?
Tracie reminds us that some of us may not intervene based on stereotypes we have internalized about people with certain identities, such as the stereotype of the “strong Black woman”. What are other stereotypes that you need to analyze and interrupt?
INSIGHTS FROM THIS EPISODE
“If you are a leader in that community, particularly if you are the rabbi or the president of the congregation, there’s certain things that really need to be interrupted in real time.”
“As white-identified folks who are endeavoring to be allies, we have to show up. And sometimes it’s not what’s needed, and we have to just accept that now’s not the time. That doesn’t mean don’t do it next time. it just means learn from it and adapt. It’s also important to allow the person of color to lead.”
“It’s not the hero thing; it’s pattern interrupting and creating a moment of awareness without stepping into what could be seen as a self-righteous teaching.”
COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS?
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