Engaging in the “White on White Conversation” on Racism and Hate ~ The Choice ~  The Willingness ~ The  Readiness ~ The Work

Engaging in the “White on White Conversation” on Racism and Hate ~ The Choice ~ The Willingness ~ The Readiness ~ The Work

Why the hesitation by white people to engage with white people in difficult and uncomfortable discourse on racism and hate?
Some would argue that the reasons are due to the “teflon effect”, “cognitive dissonance”, “white fragility”, “fear” and a lack of knowledge.
“White on White” conversations can become contentious, uncomfortable and question social-cultural loyalties.
But we are in the 21st century and “White on White” conversations are taking place by choice, with emotional intelligence and moral courage.
Inclusive generational alliances are in motion and a reality.

Diversity Literacy Galaxy Model ~ Do We Dare to Look Through the Lens?

Diversity Literacy Galaxy Model ~ Do We Dare to Look Through the Lens?

Conversations about Diversity can be uncomfortable and exasperating.
It is easier to not engage, frustrated by what we don’t know that we don’t know about Diversity.
Unfortunately, ‘Diversity’ has been politicized and weaponized leading to fear, confusion and reluctance to civilly and openly discuss Diversity and its threads.
The Diversity Literacy Galaxy Model provides language, knowledge-bases, and context that can provide opportunities for discourse through introspection, personal growth and change.

Ethnographic Citizenry ~ Able to Observe Diversity and Embrace It

Ethnographic Citizenry ~ Able to Observe Diversity and Embrace It

The Zulu greeting of “Sawubona” means “I see you.”
These are more than words of politeness.
Sawubona carries the importance of recognizing the worth and dignity of each person.
It says, “I see the whole of you—your experiences, your passions, your pain, your strengths and weaknesses, and your future. You are valuable to me.”
Sawubona is also infused with the belief that when others “see” me, then I exist.
The common response is “Shiboka”, which means “I exist for you”.
These are more than greetings.
Awareness and observation go far beyond looking and seeing – a matter of validating presence.

The Ugly American in New Duds ~ But Same Stench and Out of Step

The Ugly American in New Duds ~ But Same Stench and Out of Step

There are some commonalities among Americans.
Some say that taxes and death are two.
My dad provided another that has kept me humble.
He simply said, “Just remember that your ‘mierda’ (poop) stinks just as much as anyone else’s.”
By the way, yours does too.
But please, don’t make a pie out of it!

NEW‼️ Counter Voices – A podcast on Diversity, Inclusivity, Equity, Democracy and Citizenship

NEW‼️ Counter Voices – A podcast on Diversity, Inclusivity, Equity, Democracy and Citizenship

Counter Voices is an augmentation of the website Diversity-Threads.com. The vision and mission is to provide awareness, insights and understanding of the dimensions of Diversity in order to engage in conversations without fear and apprehension. As with the website, the podcast provides language, references, research, stories, and strategies on how to approach with confidence challenging…

Trenzas ~ Weaving a Tapestry of Diasporic LatinX Self-Affirmation

Trenzas ~ Weaving a Tapestry of Diasporic LatinX Self-Affirmation

“. . . we owe some of the more iconic works of LatinX literature to pioneering emplumados and emplumadas who transformed these oral traditions into written narratives. As Ethnic and Cultural Studies scholars have rightfully observed, much of their literary production can be read as autobiography or as cultural ethnographies.”
– Jorge Chinea
Artistry by: Arlette Lucero – Latina-artist