Yes, I was called this last week during one of my presentations. To provide context, it was during a District 7820 Systemic Racism Tool Kit Presentation. Since the tool kit has been released, I have made over 150 presentations across the Zone. Mostly well received.
So, in the middle of such a presentation, where you are earnestly and whole heartedly presenting on a topic you feel passionately about, fueled but a deep commitment for change and one participant’s comments stops you in your well-meaning tracks – what do you do?
Well – there were a couple of things I could have done. I could have ignored the participant and continued with my presentation. I could have acquiesced and apologized for making the participant upset or I could have been so upset that I ended the presentation prematurely. I did none of those things. I acknowledged the comment and thanked the participant for stating the obvious. As it is the obvious realities that sometimes trip us up in these conversations.
I said yes, I am white and yes, I am a middle-aged woman and yes, I know I am privileged, on a whole bunch of levels. So, thank you for raising those points and lets use that as a springboard to talk about privilege and our responsibility to leverage that privilege to create a bigger stage for all to stand so more voices can be heard.
What sparked from their comment and my response though was the most miraculous dialogue about privilege and the need to work strategically and with focused intention to leverage the privilege for positive change. I couldn’t have asked for a more dynamic and vibrant dialogue about individual accountability, awareness and action.
When I speak of privilege it refers to the lived experiences of a group or individuals that perhaps have not had the same obstacles in their path in terms of access to education, employment, or systems of support like health care. There are communities that have a quite different lived experience and as a result, have negative impacts on their quality of life including their health and times, their safety.
The learning for me in a situation like this is not to shy away from the uncomfortable but step into it and embrace it as a catalyst for growth. I am a growth strategist by profession and have a small coaching clientele in additional to the organizations I work with. One of the key mindset hacks I share with my clients is what you give power has power.
This instance for me could have gone in a completely different direction and I am so grateful I maintained my composure, honored the other participants in the session, including the one that made the comment and continued on, using the comment as a spark and not water to extinguish the fire.
While privilege can be viewed as a negative thing, I would suggest that you build your awareness around privilege and then examine how it could be leveraged for positive change.
In this space, you may experience something similar as you are pursuing conversations related to systemic racism or creating a culture of diversity, equity and including in your respective areas. If you do, I encourage you to take a breath, lean in, and use the experience to fuel your spark for change.
Doing things related to DEI in your area? Reach out and let us know! Email Lori Anne (Zone 28 DEI Resource Chair) at latjones@outlook.com and share your story.