Spirituality, the Self, and the Struggle for Social Justice

Spirituality, the Self, and Spirituality, the Self, and the Struggle for Social the Struggle for Social

JusticeJustice

john a. powelljohn a. powellDirector, Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity, Director, Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity,

&&Williams Chair in Civil Rights & Civil Liberties, Williams Chair in Civil Rights & Civil Liberties,

Moritz College of LawMoritz College of Law

““Possibilities for a Post-Racial Nation/World in the Obama Possibilities for a Post-Racial Nation/World in the Obama Era” SymposiumEra” Symposium

April 24, 2009April 24, 2009

Today’s ConversationToday’s Conversation• Identity and the SelfIdentity and the Self• Spirituality and Social JusticeSpirituality and Social Justice• Race and RacializationRace and Racialization• Social Cognition and Implicit BiasSocial Cognition and Implicit Bias• Post-racialism and Talking about Post-racialism and Talking about

RaceRace• Targeted UniversalismTargeted Universalism• Linked Fate and Transformative Linked Fate and Transformative

ChangeChange

IdentityIdentity• Identities can be multiple and

conflicted– The British did not become “white”

until Africans became “black”

• Both internal and external pluralism is supported by a healthy society

• We may experience an uncomfortable awareness of our own multiplicity – W.E.B. DuBois’ double consciousness

Identity, Groups, & Identity, Groups, & StructuresStructures• Identity reflects group positioning rather than Identity reflects group positioning rather than

actual group identity.actual group identity.• Groups are often seen as possessing some Groups are often seen as possessing some

distinct personal or social attributes that distinct personal or social attributes that differentiate group members from non-group differentiate group members from non-group members. members.

• ““Considered relationally, a social group is a Considered relationally, a social group is a collective of persons differentiated from others collective of persons differentiated from others by cultural forms, practices, special needs or by cultural forms, practices, special needs or capacities, structures of power or privilege.” capacities, structures of power or privilege.” (p. 90)(p. 90)

• “… “… a structural social group is a collection of a structural social group is a collection of persons who are similarly positioned in persons who are similarly positioned in interactive and institutional relations that interactive and institutional relations that condition their opportunities and life condition their opportunities and life prospects.” (p. 97)prospects.” (p. 97)Source: Inclusion and Democracy by Iris Marion Young (2000); chapter 3

The Self – Hobbesian The Self – Hobbesian ViewView

• Current paradigm: Hobbesian, isolatedCurrent paradigm: Hobbesian, isolated– Perceives Perceives individualsindividuals as autonomous-independent as autonomous-independent

selvesselves•Egoistic, possessive, separate, isolated, rationalEgoistic, possessive, separate, isolated, rational

• This has led to increasing isolation and fear of the This has led to increasing isolation and fear of the otherother– This framework creates, marginalizes This framework creates, marginalizes the

racialized other– Racial disparities are seen as a subjective, Racial disparities are seen as a subjective,

personal experiencepersonal experience– Creates false separations – negates shared Creates false separations – negates shared

humanity humanity

The White SelfThe White Self

Whiteness illuminates everything but Whiteness illuminates everything but itself.itself.

Whiteness Blackness

Identity: White IdentitiesIdentity: White Identities• In the past, non-whites sometimes tried to “In the past, non-whites sometimes tried to “passpass” as ” as

whites in order to reap the benefits associated with whites in order to reap the benefits associated with whitenesswhiteness

• Fully whiteFully white - denotes those who, “with all of the - denotes those who, “with all of the racially relevant facts about them widely known, racially relevant facts about them widely known, they would generally be considered white by the they would generally be considered white by the community at large”community at large”

• Honorary whitesHonorary whites “are extended the status of “are extended the status of whiteness despite the public recognition that, from whiteness despite the public recognition that, from a bio-racial perspective, they are not fully white.” a bio-racial perspective, they are not fully white.”

• More recently, non-whites have been accused of More recently, non-whites have been accused of trying to “trying to “covercover,” meaning they are acting as ,” meaning they are acting as though they are whitethough they are white

Source: “Colorblind White Dominance” by Ian Haney López (2006)

Clip from “Bowling for Clip from “Bowling for Columbine”Columbine”

““A Brief History of the United States of America” – A Brief History of the United States of America” – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPBHtjZmSpwhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPBHtjZmSpw

The Self – A New The Self – A New ParadigmParadigm• What is the alternative vision?What is the alternative vision?

– A model of connectednessA model of connectedness– Inter-being, unifiedInter-being, unified– Not egoistically separateNot egoistically separate

• Individualism and interconnectivity are Individualism and interconnectivity are not mutually excusivenot mutually excusive

• When a linked correctly, When a linked correctly, interconnectivity supports individuality interconnectivity supports individuality

Spirituality and the SelfSpirituality and the Self• How do postmodern rejections of an isolated How do postmodern rejections of an isolated

or unified self and assertions of the or unified self and assertions of the multiplicity of selves come into play?multiplicity of selves come into play?

– If “self” is actually constructed within an If “self” is actually constructed within an intersubjective space,intersubjective space, if there is no personal if there is no personal sphere without the social sphere,sphere without the social sphere, is it is it possible to have a private, personal possible to have a private, personal relationship with God? Or are our yearnings relationship with God? Or are our yearnings always communal yearnings? always communal yearnings?

– If the social and the personal are If the social and the personal are constituted in relationship to each other, constituted in relationship to each other, could our unresolved ontological suffering could our unresolved ontological suffering create the structures that perpetuate social create the structures that perpetuate social suffering.suffering.

SufferingSuffering

• Existential/Ontological SufferingExistential/Ontological Suffering– Transience (First Noble Truth of Buddhism)Transience (First Noble Truth of Buddhism)– Loy’s Sense of LackLoy’s Sense of Lack– Psychoanalysis (Lacan’s Lack)Psychoanalysis (Lacan’s Lack)– Inherent in existenceInherent in existence

• Surplus/Secular sufferingSurplus/Secular suffering– The result of social arrangements/structuresThe result of social arrangements/structures– Visited on people unequallyVisited on people unequally

SufferingSuffering• What is the relationship between spiritual What is the relationship between spiritual

suffering and social suffering? Individual suffering and social suffering? Individual Suffering and Collective Suffering?Suffering and Collective Suffering?

• What is the relationship between What is the relationship between spirituality and social justice?spirituality and social justice?

• What is the greater relationship between What is the greater relationship between the secular and the spiritual in our world?the secular and the spiritual in our world?

•Questions reflections of each otherQuestions reflections of each other

Personal vs. SocialPersonal vs. Social• If spirituality is our effort to connect to something If spirituality is our effort to connect to something

beyond our egoistic self – how does that relate to beyond our egoistic self – how does that relate to social justice?social justice?

• Could working to relieve social suffering be a non-Could working to relieve social suffering be a non-optional part of moving beyond our “self”? Working optional part of moving beyond our “self”? Working for social transformation be an integral part of for social transformation be an integral part of engaging deeply with all of our personal engaging deeply with all of our personal encounters?encounters?

– Addresses the tensions between “transcendence” Addresses the tensions between “transcendence” and “immanence”and “immanence”

– Must reject structures that limit our ways to Must reject structures that limit our ways to embrace love and hope in all our interpersonal embrace love and hope in all our interpersonal interactionsinteractions

– Love calls the ego beyond itselfLove calls the ego beyond itself

Spirituality and Social Spirituality and Social JusticeJustice

• We usually focus on how spirituality We usually focus on how spirituality inspires social justice work, but not on inspires social justice work, but not on how working for social justice informs how working for social justice informs spiritualityspirituality

• Caring about other’s suffering not just Caring about other’s suffering not just about relieving their suffering, but about about relieving their suffering, but about one’s own spiritual developmentone’s own spiritual development

• Suffering a central concern of bothSuffering a central concern of both

• Spirituality Spirituality Social JusticeSocial Justice

Avoiding the Duality Avoiding the Duality MindsetMindset

• President Obama has provoked President Obama has provoked discussions about race and racial discussions about race and racial identity, but much confusion remainsidentity, but much confusion remains

• Often race is portrayed as a duality, Often race is portrayed as a duality, indicating that eitherindicating that either– Race is important, ORRace is important, OR– Race is Race is notnot important. important.

• Perceiving race through these two Perceiving race through these two perspectives is not accurate. Race is a perspectives is not accurate. Race is a continuum, not a duality.continuum, not a duality.

Whiteness and the Whiteness and the ContinuumContinuum• There is a perception that minority There is a perception that minority

populations are surpassing white populations.populations are surpassing white populations.

• When considering racial identities, we must When considering racial identities, we must address the role of whiteness and white address the role of whiteness and white space.space.

• The fluidity of other races’ locations in the The fluidity of other races’ locations in the continuum depend on how we think about continuum depend on how we think about whiteness.whiteness.

• This continuum is becoming more This continuum is becoming more

complicated, yet it is stable.complicated, yet it is stable.

Defining Racial Defining Racial CategoriesCategories

• The Census has been a tool for defining The Census has been a tool for defining “whiteness”“whiteness”

• ““Whiteness” is not a stable categoryWhiteness” is not a stable category– i.e., Irish Americans were once considered i.e., Irish Americans were once considered

non-whitenon-white– Are Hispanics/Latinos considered white Are Hispanics/Latinos considered white

(yet)?(yet)?

• Given that racial categories are dynamic, Given that racial categories are dynamic, there is no way to know whether whites will there is no way to know whether whites will be a numerical minority be a numerical minority

Deconstructing Racial Deconstructing Racial CategoriesCategories

• Our collective failure to deconstruct racial Our collective failure to deconstruct racial categories, especially the “white” category, categories, especially the “white” category, has two main ramifications:has two main ramifications:– The racial hierarchy is maintainedThe racial hierarchy is maintained– Whites who want to reject the white Whites who want to reject the white

category need an alternate identitycategory need an alternate identity

• What is the meaning of being in these What is the meaning of being in these categories?categories?– These categories are constructed, sorted, These categories are constructed, sorted,

and policedand policed

Not Just a TypologyNot Just a Typology

• These categories of racial identity are more These categories of racial identity are more than just a typology.than just a typology.

• They give social meaning and social They give social meaning and social significance to race.significance to race.

• These categories are reflected in These categories are reflected in institutional arrangementsinstitutional arrangements– For example, consider privilege For example, consider privilege

(specifically white privilege)…(specifically white privilege)…

White Privilege and the White Privilege and the Organization of StructuresOrganization of Structures

• Privilege is sorted through institutional Privilege is sorted through institutional arrangements arrangements

• Without critical examination, the system can Without critical examination, the system can appear to be just and fair, perhaps even neutral appear to be just and fair, perhaps even neutral towards race.towards race.

• Often unbeknownst to them, whites inherit and Often unbeknownst to them, whites inherit and possess many benefits that are often possess many benefits that are often unacknowledged and/or taken for granted.unacknowledged and/or taken for granted.

• Interestingly, Interestingly, the norm of whiteness is strong the norm of whiteness is strong enough that the privilege of whiteness may not enough that the privilege of whiteness may not even be perceived by people of color. even be perceived by people of color.

Another ExampleAnother Example• Some argue that the culture of poverty is a Some argue that the culture of poverty is a

reflection of white dominance, not a particular reflection of white dominance, not a particular group’s (Blacks, Latinos, etc.) failure.group’s (Blacks, Latinos, etc.) failure.

• Thus, the logic follows that in order to fix the Thus, the logic follows that in order to fix the culture of poverty, white dominance must be culture of poverty, white dominance must be fixed.fixed.

• Others suggest that the culture of poverty is a Others suggest that the culture of poverty is a reaction to being locked out of society.reaction to being locked out of society.

• These examples clearly indicate that racial These examples clearly indicate that racial categories are reflected in larger societal and categories are reflected in larger societal and institutional arrangements.institutional arrangements.

Defining RaceDefining Race• From this nation’s inception, the race line From this nation’s inception, the race line

was used to demarcate and patrol the divide was used to demarcate and patrol the divide between those who constituted the “We” in between those who constituted the “We” in “We The People.”“We The People.”

• Race-based interventions (such as Affirmative Race-based interventions (such as Affirmative Action) are sometimes seen as unfair because Action) are sometimes seen as unfair because race is incorrectly thought of as phenotype race is incorrectly thought of as phenotype alone.alone.

• Race is a modern idea. In the past, people Race is a modern idea. In the past, people were grouped by other attributes, such as were grouped by other attributes, such as religion, social class, or language. religion, social class, or language.

RaceRace as Social Space as Social Space• We have fluidity in terms of our racial identity We have fluidity in terms of our racial identity

(or, in reality, racial identities.) (or, in reality, racial identities.) •Situations affect who you areSituations affect who you are,, how you how you

identify. identify. –For example, it may not be until you’re For example, it may not be until you’re

in a room with full of people of a in a room with full of people of a different race that you become truly different race that you become truly aware of your own race. aware of your own race.

–The British did not become “white” until The British did not become “white” until Africans became “black.”Africans became “black.”

In order to notice race, society has to create In order to notice race, society has to create this category/idea of race. After it is created, this category/idea of race. After it is created, individuals can negotiate it using the social individuals can negotiate it using the social tools created by society. tools created by society.

The Social Construction The Social Construction of Raceof Race

• Race is a scientific fiction; it is a social Race is a scientific fiction; it is a social construction.construction.

• Despite the lack of scientific support, Despite the lack of scientific support, the social reality of race is substantial. the social reality of race is substantial. – The racial categories into which we The racial categories into which we

group people are not as problematic group people are not as problematic as the social meaning and racial as the social meaning and racial hierarchy we assign to those groups.hierarchy we assign to those groups.

The Social Construction The Social Construction of Raceof Race

• People talk about race as though it is essential, People talk about race as though it is essential, even though it is socially constructedeven though it is socially constructed

• This provokes some important questions:This provokes some important questions:– How is race constructed? By whom? For How is race constructed? By whom? For

what purpose?what purpose?

• The fact that race is constructed implies that it The fact that race is constructed implies that it has a history and that it is constantly changing.has a history and that it is constantly changing.

• People tend to misunderstand and People tend to misunderstand and underestimate the significance of this.underestimate the significance of this.

Race and RacializationRace and Racialization• We have seen a move away from legal racism and We have seen a move away from legal racism and

personal prejudice to a racial hierarchy that is personal prejudice to a racial hierarchy that is enforced through institutions/structuresenforced through institutions/structures– de jure segregation segregation de facto segregation segregation– inscribed in laws inscribed in laws inscribed in land inscribed in land

• Although racial attitudes and personal prejudice is Although racial attitudes and personal prejudice is improving steadily, racial disparities persist on improving steadily, racial disparities persist on every levelevery level

• Not enough just to recognize these disparities, we Not enough just to recognize these disparities, we must understand our assumptions surrounding must understand our assumptions surrounding themthem

• What is the meaning of these disparities in terms of What is the meaning of these disparities in terms of a true democracy?a true democracy?

UnderstaUnderstanding nding Structural Structural RacializationRacialization • Structural racialization addresses Structural racialization addresses inter-inter-

institutionalinstitutional arrangements and interactions. arrangements and interactions.

– It refers to the ways in which the joint It refers to the ways in which the joint operation of institutions produce racialized operation of institutions produce racialized outcomes.outcomes.

• Structural racialization analysis allows for a Structural racialization analysis allows for a view of the cumulative effects of institutional view of the cumulative effects of institutional arrangements.arrangements.

• How we arrange structures mattersHow we arrange structures matters– The order of the structuresThe order of the structures– The timing of the interaction between themThe timing of the interaction between them– The relationships that exist between themThe relationships that exist between them

Social CognitionSocial Cognition

and Implicit Biasand Implicit Bias

Unconscious Cognitive Unconscious Cognitive Modeling:Modeling:

The Kanizsa TriangleThe Kanizsa Triangle

• Illusion of a triangle appears even though there Illusion of a triangle appears even though there are are no linesno lines connecting it. connecting it.

• Triangle appears brighter than the surrounding Triangle appears brighter than the surrounding area even though it has the same brightness as area even though it has the same brightness as the background. the background.

• Active modeling occurs well before sensory Active modeling occurs well before sensory information reaches the area of the brain information reaches the area of the brain responsible for conscious thought. responsible for conscious thought.

• Cognitive modeling occurs at higher levels of Cognitive modeling occurs at higher levels of knowledge tooknowledge too

Social CognitionSocial Cognition

• Cognitive psychologists explain that Cognitive psychologists explain that these schemas (black/white, these schemas (black/white, young/old) are cognitive structures young/old) are cognitive structures which permit us to make decisions which permit us to make decisions quickly.quickly.

• However, because they are However, because they are unconscious, we are generally unconscious, we are generally unaware that these mental models unaware that these mental models even exist.even exist.

Implicit BiasImplicit Bias• Data are complex, but so are people.Data are complex, but so are people.

• We unconsciously think about race even when We unconsciously think about race even when we do not explicitly discuss it.we do not explicitly discuss it.– Implicit thoughts can overpower our Implicit thoughts can overpower our

explicit positions.explicit positions.

• People have multiple networks that may be People have multiple networks that may be activated without our awareness.activated without our awareness.– Depending on the situation, one network Depending on the situation, one network

becomes dominant over the others.becomes dominant over the others.

• Our race schemas may be activated without Our race schemas may be activated without our awareness.our awareness.

Implicit BiasImplicit Bias

• Even though we may fight them, implicit biases Even though we may fight them, implicit biases reside within us.reside within us.

• Often these biases are socially unacceptable or Often these biases are socially unacceptable or embarrassing, so we try to hide them. embarrassing, so we try to hide them. Nevertheless, our unconscious networks are still Nevertheless, our unconscious networks are still operating…operating…

– "Call Me, Harold" ad (VA Senate Race): "Call Me, Harold" ad (VA Senate Race): http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?vwww.youtube.com/watch?v=kkiz1_d1GsA=kkiz1_d1GsA

– The Willie Horton/ Dukakis on Crime:The Willie Horton/ Dukakis on Crime:http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?vwww.youtube.com/watch?v=EC9j6Wfdq3o=EC9j6Wfdq3o

FramingFraming• How messages are framed affects how they are How messages are framed affects how they are

perceived.perceived.

• Conversations about race and diversity must be Conversations about race and diversity must be honed to ensure that messages are effective. honed to ensure that messages are effective.

• We need to start from the assumption that an We need to start from the assumption that an awareness of racial disparities is fundamental to awareness of racial disparities is fundamental to fostering race-conscious approaches to social fostering race-conscious approaches to social justice policy.justice policy.– This is the first step in proactively achieving and This is the first step in proactively achieving and

maintaining diversity in our public institutions.maintaining diversity in our public institutions.

Moving forwardMoving forward•Put your outcome first: what do you Put your outcome first: what do you

want to achieve?want to achieve?•Work backwards from there … how Work backwards from there … how

do you achieve it, for everyone?do you achieve it, for everyone?•Talk about race – it is part of the Talk about race – it is part of the

American storyAmerican story•Targeted universalism and linked Targeted universalism and linked

fatesfates

History shapes our present History shapes our present & future& future

36

We were separated from We were separated from each other…each other…

http://www.albany.edu/jmmh/vol2no1/sugrue.html

Detroit’s “Wailing Wall” being constructed

Opportunity still plays out Opportunity still plays out across spaceacross space

– Measures of segregation Measures of segregation (i.e. the “dissimilarity (i.e. the “dissimilarity index”) have nudged index”) have nudged downward a tiny bit but downward a tiny bit but are still highare still high

– Outward growth can pull Outward growth can pull resources away from resources away from existing communitiesexisting communities

– The “favored quarter” has The “favored quarter” has a disproportionate share a disproportionate share of high quality opportunity of high quality opportunity structures structures

37

Segregation leads to Segregation leads to disparate (racialized) disparate (racialized)

outcomesoutcomes

Lower EducationalOutcomes

Increased Flightof Affluent

Families

Neighborhood Segregation

SchoolSegregation &

Concentrated Poverty

Why We Need to Talk Why We Need to Talk about Raceabout Race

• To not talk about race is to talk about To not talk about race is to talk about race.race.

• Race plays a critical role in the creation Race plays a critical role in the creation and perpetuation of many social, political, and perpetuation of many social, political, and organizational structures that control and organizational structures that control the distribution of opportunities.the distribution of opportunities.

• Race affects all aspects of our lives.Race affects all aspects of our lives.– Where we live, who our children’s Where we live, who our children’s

friends are, what social programs we friends are, what social programs we support, how we vote, etc.support, how we vote, etc.

• We must address race to understand the We must address race to understand the history of our nation’s democracy and the history of our nation’s democracy and the future well-being of its people.future well-being of its people.

Consequences of Not Talking Consequences of Not Talking About RaceAbout Race

• Racial disparities are maskedRacial disparities are masked

• Misperceptions about equality are reinforcedMisperceptions about equality are reinforced

• Support for equitable interventions is Support for equitable interventions is decreaseddecreased

• Diversity becomes less valuedDiversity becomes less valued

• ““Color-blindness” gains salienceColor-blindness” gains salience

• Inadequate proxies, such as class, become Inadequate proxies, such as class, become more visiblemore visible

• Understanding of “linked fate” is weakened Understanding of “linked fate” is weakened (we fail to see that institutional arrangements (we fail to see that institutional arrangements are functioning poorly for everyone)are functioning poorly for everyone)

Colorblindness v. Color-Colorblindness v. Color-ConsciousnessConsciousness

• ColorColorblindnessblindness– The logic: Since we know race is socially The logic: Since we know race is socially

constructed (not scientific), we should constructed (not scientific), we should eliminate racial categorieseliminate racial categories

– This perspective assumes “that the major This perspective assumes “that the major race problem in our society is race itself, race problem in our society is race itself, rather than racism.”rather than racism.”

– Attempting to ignore race is not the same Attempting to ignore race is not the same as creating equalityas creating equality

• Is colorblindness an appropriate shift in Is colorblindness an appropriate shift in how we perceive race? NO.how we perceive race? NO.– Colorblindness will not end racism.Colorblindness will not end racism.

Source: john a. powell. “The Colorblind Multiracial Dilemma: Racial Categories Reconsidered.” (1997)

Colorblindness v. Color-Colorblindness v. Color-ConsciousnessConsciousness

• Color-Color-ConsciousnessConsciousness – This perspective acknowledges that race can This perspective acknowledges that race can

be a divisive issue in our societybe a divisive issue in our society– Policies and interventions need to address Policies and interventions need to address

race; otherwise they will only provide partial race; otherwise they will only provide partial solutions to problems that are grounded in solutions to problems that are grounded in racerace

– Acknowledging race through a multicultural Acknowledging race through a multicultural frame can reduce prejudiceframe can reduce prejudice

– Color-consciousness fosters an appreciation Color-consciousness fosters an appreciation of each group’s contributions to societyof each group’s contributions to society

Source: Philip Mazzocco. “The Dangers of Not Speaking About Race.” 2006

Understanding of Disparities

PresentExtremePersisting

AbsentMinimalDeclining

Explanationsfor Disparities

StructuralHistoricalAbnormal

IndividualCulturalNormal

Solutionsto Disparities

Color-Conscious

Color-Blind

OPPOSE AA

SUPPORT AA

Color-blind/ Color-conscious Racism

Talking about Race…Talking about Race…post-Obama post-Obama

• A popular discourse A popular discourse following President following President Obama’s victory was Obama’s victory was that his win heralded that his win heralded a post-racial society.a post-racial society.

• This conclusion is This conclusion is deeply mistaken.deeply mistaken.

A post-racial society? A post-racial society? Anxiety over racial Anxiety over racial

identity … and humoridentity … and humor

Tracy Morgan accepting a Golden Globe for 30 Rock

“I am the face of post-racial America. Deal with it, Cate Blanchett!”

A Post-Racial Society? (or A Post-Racial Society? (or Not?)Not?)• Obama’s victory does not change the facts:Obama’s victory does not change the facts:

– Black and Latino children are much more likely Black and Latino children are much more likely than white children to attend high-poverty than white children to attend high-poverty schools schools

– A white man with a criminal record is three A white man with a criminal record is three times more likely than a black man with a times more likely than a black man with a record to receive consideration for a jobrecord to receive consideration for a job

– MMinority home-seekers, many with good credit inority home-seekers, many with good credit scores, are steered disproportionately to high-scores, are steered disproportionately to high-cost, sub-prime mortgages, thus devastating cost, sub-prime mortgages, thus devastating their communities in light of the foreclosure their communities in light of the foreclosure crisiscrisisBy prematurely proclaiming a post-racial status, we ignore the distance we have yet to travel to

make this country truly a land of equal opportunity for all, regardless of racial identity.

Talking about race…Talking about race…productivelyproductively

• Acknowledge racial progressAcknowledge racial progress– Recognize our racial history and connect it to Recognize our racial history and connect it to

our futureour future– Explain how past injustices still matter todayExplain how past injustices still matter today

• Create empathetic spaceCreate empathetic space– Everyone needs help now and then; we all want Everyone needs help now and then; we all want

to do betterto do better– We share deep values, concerns, and hopesWe share deep values, concerns, and hopes

• Provide potential solutionsProvide potential solutions– We need to be able to articulate what we We need to be able to articulate what we

support - not just what we oppose.support - not just what we oppose.•Martin Luther King, Jr. did not start a speech Martin Luther King, Jr. did not start a speech

with: “I have a complaint…”with: “I have a complaint…”Source: http://www.equaljusticesociety.org/2008/12/talking-about-race-in-the-obama-era/

Thinking Transformatively Thinking Transformatively about Raceabout Race

• TransactionalTransactional vs. vs. TransformativeTransformative

– Affirmative action is predicated on a Affirmative action is predicated on a transactional transactional approach. It assists approach. It assists individuals but does not alter the larger individuals but does not alter the larger system of structures.system of structures.

– A A transformativetransformative perspective changes the perspective changes the arrangement of societal structures and arrangement of societal structures and consequently alters relations to consequently alters relations to opportunity.opportunity.

Conditions for ChangeConditions for Change• Moving from a transactional to a Moving from a transactional to a

transformational paradigm requires transformational paradigm requires structural structural change:change:– Institutions should allow for participation and Institutions should allow for participation and

dissent of individuals in a democratic society.dissent of individuals in a democratic society.– For those in poverty, this participation is For those in poverty, this participation is

denied as they lack access to power, denied as they lack access to power, influence, and choice; thus, poverty is influence, and choice; thus, poverty is maintained.maintained.•Structures act as filters, creating Structures act as filters, creating

cumulative barriers to opportunity.cumulative barriers to opportunity.– Reorganization of institutions to encourage Reorganization of institutions to encourage

the “emergence of differences” is one the “emergence of differences” is one example of transformative thinking.example of transformative thinking.

What is a truly universal What is a truly universal policy? policy?

• ““Universal” policies are often based on a non-Universal” policies are often based on a non-universal standard (i.e. social security: able-bodied universal standard (i.e. social security: able-bodied white males working outside the home full-time for white males working outside the home full-time for pay)pay)

• Instead, a Instead, a targeted universal targeted universal strategy is inclusive, strategy is inclusive, but pays particular attention to the needs of those but pays particular attention to the needs of those falling behindfalling behind– Ex: Every school a performing schoolEx: Every school a performing school– What does each school need to get there?What does each school need to get there?– What does each student, family, teacher, community What does each student, family, teacher, community

need?need?– What are their strengths and constraints?What are their strengths and constraints?

Group A

Group B

The universal program affected everyone in red, but Group B is still constrained by the boxes.

Universal Program

Group A

Group B

The universal program affected everyone in red, but Group B is still constrained by the boxes.

Universal Program

Targeted UniversalismTargeted Universalism• This approach supports the needs of the particular This approach supports the needs of the particular

while reminding us that we are all part of the same while reminding us that we are all part of the same social fabric.social fabric.

•Universal, yet captures how people are Universal, yet captures how people are differently situated differently situated

•Inclusive, yet targets those who are most Inclusive, yet targets those who are most marginalizedmarginalized

•Example goal: Every school as a performing Example goal: Every school as a performing schoolschool

– What does each school need to get there?What does each school need to get there?– What does each student, family, teacher, What does each student, family, teacher,

community need?community need?– What are their strengths and constraints?What are their strengths and constraints?

Targeted UniversalismTargeted Universalism• Targeted Universalism recognizes racial Targeted Universalism recognizes racial

disparities and the importance of disparities and the importance of eradicating them, while acknowledging eradicating them, while acknowledging their presence within a larger inequitable, their presence within a larger inequitable, institutional frameworkinstitutional framework

• Targeted universalism is a common Targeted universalism is a common framework through which to pursue justiceframework through which to pursue justice– A model which recognizes our linked fateA model which recognizes our linked fate– A model where we all grow togetherA model where we all grow together– A model where we embrace A model where we embrace

collective collective solutionssolutions

Understand and Understand and communicate our linked communicate our linked

fatesfates• Racialized structures and policies have Racialized structures and policies have

created the correlation of race and poverty. created the correlation of race and poverty. People assume that only people of color are People assume that only people of color are harmed. harmed.

• BUT: these effects are far reaching and BUT: these effects are far reaching and impact everyone – we share a impact everyone – we share a linked fatelinked fate

• Example: credit tightened for everyone Example: credit tightened for everyone after the subprime fiascoafter the subprime fiasco

Linked Fates…Linked Fates…Transformative ChangeTransformative Change

• Our fates are linked, yet our fates have Our fates are linked, yet our fates have been socially constructed as disconnected been socially constructed as disconnected (especially through the categories of class, (especially through the categories of class, race, gender, etc.).race, gender, etc.).

– We need socially constructed “bridges” to We need socially constructed “bridges” to transform our society.transform our society.

– Conceive of an individual as connected to—Conceive of an individual as connected to—instead of isolated from—“thy neighbor.”instead of isolated from—“thy neighbor.”

Linked Fates…Transformative Linked Fates…Transformative ChangeChange

• Tension is dynamic and positive Tension is dynamic and positive (constitutive).(constitutive).

• The situated nature/essence of the Self The situated nature/essence of the Self (and its multiplicity):(and its multiplicity):– Social justice (external)Social justice (external)– Spirituality (internal)Spirituality (internal)

• We are the same and different. Because We are the same and different. Because we are the same, dialogue is possible. we are the same, dialogue is possible. Because we are different, dialogue is Because we are different, dialogue is necessary.necessary.

58

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AppendixAppendix

• Our Unconscious NetworksOur Unconscious Networks

• Commonly Used FramesCommonly Used Frames

• PrimingPriming

Our Unconscious Our Unconscious NetworksNetworks

What colors are the following What colors are the following lines of text?lines of text?

1.1. Vqeb peow ytroVqeb peow ytro

2.2. Cvur zxyq brrmCvur zxyq brrm

3.3. Vhrn wwte zytnVhrn wwte zytn

4.4. Xoc jbni oew mneXoc jbni oew mne

5.5. Zre ytu vee mkpZre ytu vee mkp



1.1. RedRed

2.2. BlueBlue

3.3. BlackBlack

4.4. GreenGreen

5.5. BrownBrown



1.1. Sky Sky

2.2. Grass Grass

3.3. DirtDirt

4.4. CoalCoal

5.5. Stop signStop sign



1.1. DirtDirt

2.2. SunshineSunshine

3.3. Sky Sky

4.4. GrassGrass

5.5. Stop signStop sign


• What colors are the following What colors are the following lines of text?lines of text?

1.1. GreenGreen

2.2. BlueBlue

3.3. BrownBrown

4.4. RedRed

5.5. BlackBlack

4 Frames Commonly Used 4 Frames Commonly Used When Discussing RaceWhen Discussing Race

1) Minimize the existence of 1) Minimize the existence of disparitiesdisparities

• Examples:Examples:– ““Things may not be entirely equal, but Things may not be entirely equal, but

it’s not nearly as bad as it used to be.”it’s not nearly as bad as it used to be.”– ““The racial ‘playing field’ is level.”The racial ‘playing field’ is level.”

Source: Bonilla-Silva (2003) Racism Without Racists & Mazzocco (May 2006) “The Dangers of Not Talking About Race.”

4 Frames Commonly Used4 Frames Commonly Used When Discussing Race When Discussing Race

2) Blame culture for racial inequality 2) Blame culture for racial inequality rather than societal structures or rather than societal structures or white privilegewhite privilege

• Examples:Examples:– ““Blacks are lazy and lack motivation.”Blacks are lazy and lack motivation.”– ““We get what we deserve in life. If some We get what we deserve in life. If some

racial groups aren’t doing as well as racial groups aren’t doing as well as others, people just need to work harder.”others, people just need to work harder.”


3) Racial phenomena is “natural”3) Racial phenomena is “natural”

• Examples:Examples:– ““Racial segregation in housing is Racial segregation in housing is

natural. After all, they prefer to live natural. After all, they prefer to live by themselves instead of interacting by themselves instead of interacting with us.”with us.”

– ““They’d rather be with their ‘own They’d rather be with their ‘own kind’ anyway.”kind’ anyway.”


4) Focusing on individuals and their traits, 4) Focusing on individuals and their traits, assuming that we all start from the same assuming that we all start from the same “position” in society“position” in society

• Examples:Examples:– ““We should all be judged as individuals We should all be judged as individuals

based on our personal merits. No one should based on our personal merits. No one should receive special privileges. It’s not fair.”receive special privileges. It’s not fair.”

– ““People like Tiger Woods, George Lopez, and People like Tiger Woods, George Lopez, and Oprah Winfrey are proof that anyone can be Oprah Winfrey are proof that anyone can be successful in America.”successful in America.”

Challenging These Challenging These FramesFrames

• These frames are not easy to These frames are not easy to challenge, especially those that draw challenge, especially those that draw upon our national values of upon our national values of meritocracy and individuality.meritocracy and individuality.

• It is important to confront It is important to confront all fourall four of these frames at the same time; of these frames at the same time; otherwise, people tend to just switch otherwise, people tend to just switch to a different frame rather than to a different frame rather than change their understanding of race.change their understanding of race.

Other Semantic MovesOther Semantic Moves

• ““I am not racist, I am not racist, but….”but….”

• ““I kind of I kind of support and support and oppose….” oppose….” (views on (views on affirmative affirmative action, action, interracial interracial marriage, and marriage, and other topics)other topics)

PrimingPriming• Our environment affects our unconscious networks.Our environment affects our unconscious networks.

• Priming activates mental associations.Priming activates mental associations.– Telling someone a scary story activates a frame of Telling someone a scary story activates a frame of

fearfear

• Claude Steele’s “stereotype threat”:Claude Steele’s “stereotype threat”:– For example, tell students about to take a test that For example, tell students about to take a test that

Asian students tend to do better than whites, the Asian students tend to do better than whites, the whites will perform significantly worse than if they whites will perform significantly worse than if they had not been primed to think of themselves as less had not been primed to think of themselves as less capable than Asians.capable than Asians.

Source: http://www.eaop.ucla.edu/0405/Ed185%20-Spring05/Week_6_May9_2005.pdf

Social CognitionSocial Cognition• Racial schemes are the categories into Racial schemes are the categories into

which we map individual human beings. which we map individual human beings. Once a person is assigned to a racial Once a person is assigned to a racial category, implicit and explicit racial category, implicit and explicit racial meanings with that category are meanings with that category are triggered.triggered.

• The meaning (valence) attributed to these The meaning (valence) attributed to these schemas are culturally derived. schemas are culturally derived. – Measured by IAT tests.Measured by IAT tests.

Implicit Association TestImplicit Association Test• IAT measures unconscious attitudes toward IAT measures unconscious attitudes toward

various groups of people.various groups of people.• IAT tracks the response time required to match IAT tracks the response time required to match

up pleasant and unpleasant words such as up pleasant and unpleasant words such as “love,” “kindness,” “trust” and “fear,” “love,” “kindness,” “trust” and “fear,” “hatred,” “dishonor,” respectively, with images “hatred,” “dishonor,” respectively, with images of individuals who belong to “in-groups” and of individuals who belong to “in-groups” and “outgroups”— Caucasians juxtaposed against “outgroups”— Caucasians juxtaposed against African Americans or males juxtaposed against African Americans or males juxtaposed against females, for example. females, for example. – Think about previous slides with text and Think about previous slides with text and

colors. colors. • More than two-thirds of test takers register More than two-thirds of test takers register

bias toward stigmatized groups.bias toward stigmatized groups.

The Shooter GameThe Shooter Game• Using images of white and black men, each Using images of white and black men, each

gripping a cell phone, a wallet, or a handgun, gripping a cell phone, a wallet, or a handgun, scientists have created a video-game experiment scientists have created a video-game experiment that requires split-second judgments. that requires split-second judgments.

• Images of suspects—both armed and unarmed, Images of suspects—both armed and unarmed, black and white—flash onto a monitor. Within a black and white—flash onto a monitor. Within a split-second, subjects must decide whether to split-second, subjects must decide whether to shoot. shoot.

• One after another, images flash onto a monitor One after another, images flash onto a monitor and participants must assess whether the man in and participants must assess whether the man in each picture is carrying a gun. Within 850 each picture is carrying a gun. Within 850 milliseconds they must press one key to shoot or milliseconds they must press one key to shoot or another to leave the figure unharmed. another to leave the figure unharmed.

• In experiment after experiment people’s mistakes, In experiment after experiment people’s mistakes, although rare, follow a pattern: they shoot more although rare, follow a pattern: they shoot more unarmed blacks than unarmed whites, and they unarmed blacks than unarmed whites, and they fail to shoot more whites than blacks who turn out fail to shoot more whites than blacks who turn out to be holding weapons.to be holding weapons.

What Would You Do?What Would You Do?