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
COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS?
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