1. Feeling More Comfortable Talking About Racism
College of the Redwoods

2. Why it’s difficult and uncomfortable talking about race and racism:
We have created “color-blindedness” as a response to historical discrimination.
Race and racism in this country involve historical discrimination and those responsible for it.
People of color have empowered themselves, including through the use of language, and empowerment language is at times interpreted as shaming language.
Racism and White privilege are still seen as an “individual” phenomena, not a “structural” one.

3. WORDS are IMPORTANT Black vs. African-American vs. of African descent
Asian vs. API vs. Oriental
Latino vs. Hispanic vs. Mexican
Illegal vs. Undocumented
LGBT vs. LGBTQ
Minorities vs. People of Color
Personal racism vs. Institutional & Structural racism

4. Helpful Tools: When in doubt, ask. Defer to the other’s experience
3) Be conscious of White privilege.
4) Be conscious of the impacts of historical discrimination.

5. Discussion

6. Upcoming Workshops:
Student Panel on Why Underrepresented Students Leave CR
Guest Speaker: Chris Crass Talk on How to be a Powerful Ally to Underrepresented Students
October 20, 3-4:30, FM110.
November 3, 3-4:30, AT 103/104.