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Monthly
Discussion (11/2001)
Please read the following article and share
with us your point of view on the material below. You can do this by discussing
the the questions posed or commenting in any way.
States of Racial Consciousness
Ignorance, Innocence or Indifference
Individuals in this state of racial consciousness have no awareness or interest
in learning how race affects their lives or is evident in their attitudes and
behaviors. Typically, individuals inthis state have little understanding or
appreciation of racial identity. They want the world to deal with people without
regard to race – “just as human beings”. These individual often feel this
is the most virtuous perspective on race. The denial of racial awareness and
racism, indifference to it, and feeling of being “beyond race” creates
negative environments and leads to behavior that is insensitive and often
oppressive.
Racial Identify and Exclusion
Individuals in this state of racial consciousness identify strongly with their
racial group. They seek experiences that reinforce their positive feelings about
their race. They pursue and value information about their heritage, ancestry,
“roots” and blood lines. They celebrate historically significant events as
affirmation of their racial group. For individual coming to a new state of
racial consciousness from ignorance or indifference, there is often an
accompanying intensity to learn more about themselves, almost to the exclusion
of any other group. Taken to extremes, this kind of consciousness equates
acceptance of one’s own racial group with intolerance for anyone outside the
group. Extremists in this state espouse hatred of other racial groups and often
advocate violence in the name of protecting or promoting their own group’s
dominance.
Intellectual Awareness and Racial Distancing
Individuals in this state of racial consciousness have an intellectual awareness
of race as a political, social and education issue but do not feel any ownership
or responsibility for these issues. They distance themselves from their own
racial identify and the effects they have on others. These individuals respond
to the topic of racism with “politically correct” statement, believing their
own attitudes and behaviors are beyond question. As a consequence of their
rationalization, these individuals alienate themselves from their won attitudes
and behaviors. Because they regard race as an external abstraction, they do not
feel personal discomfort, or an obligation to act. When these individuals hold
positions of power or influence, their intellectualization and distancing
fosters environmental insensitivity and oppression.
Racial Awareness and Acceptance
Individuals in this state of racial consciousness value themselves and have
learned to integrate their acceptance of self with acceptance of racial
diversity. Individual differences are studied and appreciated. The celebration
of one’s racial identity is viewed as a positive behavior, but extremism and
arrogance are avoided. These individuals seek opportunities to interact with
different racial groups and do not seek to isolate themselves. They continue to
heighten their own awareness in order to broaden their appreciation of cultural
and racial differences, and to avoid racist attitudes or behaviors prompted by
ignorance or fear. While these individuals sometimes can and do exhibit
insensitivity or racist behavior, their overall awareness and acceptance gives
them the ability to self-reflect and absorb criticism.
©Linda Bates Parker 1988
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Previous Discussions
- States of Racial Consciousness
- The Diversity Journey: Making Your Business More Profitable
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