Jews Talk Racial Justice - S2E4: Deepen the Learning on White Leadership
QUICK EPISODE OVERVIEW
Continuing their work in "flipping the script," April and Tracie offer some nuance and context for when white people can and should lead racial justice work. That conversation leads to contemplation on giving and receiving comfort and feedback, both within affinity spaces (with people with a shared identity) and across lines of difference.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
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What are your initial thoughts to these sentiments: “White people shouldn’t lead racial justice work,” “White people have no business teaching about racism or racial justice.” How do they sit with you? And, in what circumstances have you heard them before, if at all?
April clarifies her point using the metaphor of the body, saying that People of color and the voices of People of color, “should be the heartbeat and the vision of this work,” while white people “should be the legs.” What does this look like on a practical level? Can you think of any examples?
April continues, saying, “There’s leadership, then there’s the work,” which should be done predominantly by white people. What does this distinction between leadership and work mean to you? Where might they intersect?
There is a LOT of power in affinity spaces, according to both April and Tracie. Dig into this a little deeper. What exactly is an affinity space and what is the value in them?. Do you have any experience with them? And, in your opinion and experience, in which circumstances are the appropriate and helpful?
Both Tracie and April dive into the dynamics of emotional labor when it comes to talking, teaching, and listening about racism, specifically on Folks of color. Unpack this concept of “emotional labor.” What exactly is this? How does it come up in your life and in your relationships, whether about racism or anything else?
Going from what Tracie and April discussed and thinking about your own life and experiences, what does performative activism look like? In action, what are some key differences between performative activism and genuine activism? Do you think they can ever overlap regarding intention versus impact?
To wrap up, Tracie says “we all have a role to play.” Reflect and clarify, as an individual and as a member of any collective of which you are a part. What is your role?
INSIGHTS FROM THIS EPISODE
“Racial justice is everyone’s work, or arguably, predominantly should be the work of white people.”
“So many white anti-racists, especially early in their journey, and I’m including myself, the allyship is performative or the anti-racism is performative in order to get the ‘you’re-not-a-racist cookie,’ or whatever that accolade is. When leadership is done to get that, ‘you’re one of the good ones,’ then it’s not done for the right reasons. ”
“For the people of a global majority listening, holy sh*t, can it be scary to be in a place of deciding if we wanna confront a white person who may have power over us, who we may like, who may be the parent of our child’s best friend. It’s not our job to teach or confront white people, and yet, at certain times, because of a number of variables, we deem that it is - because no one else is there, and there is harm being done, and we can see that it’s only going to get worse. I just wanna give us a lot of love and respect and support to say it can be draining, it can be terrifying, it can be difficult,... Even if you are alone in that moment, know that you are supported.”
“People of color, especially Black and Native folks, should be at the helm leading racial justice work, and it is incumbent and incredibly important for white folks to pick up the mantle, work in alignment with the vision of the leadership of People of color and people of the global majority, and take ownership within your spheres of influence to help lead that work. And, always keep an eye out to see if People of color are present. Make sure that you are centering their voices and leadership in that work, but also not laying your work around advancing anti-racism and racial justice in your community at their feet. ”
COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS?
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