Day 5: Racial Socialization
“If you have come here to help me, you are wasting your time. But if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together.”
Lilla Watson, Indigenous Australian or Murri visual artist, activist and academic
Socialization is a process we all go through – it is how we develop values, habits and attitudes and learn to function in the world. Understanding the process of socialization can help us understand how we came to where we are in our views of race and racism as well as what we are willing and “able” to do to work for justice. Watch this short video on “the culture cycle” at play around race in society.
Created by B. Harro (1982). Referenced in Adams, et al. 1997 Teaching for Diversity and Social Justice
Today’s Challenge
Read: Review this model of socialization and look at the different forces at play that reinforce attitudes and beliefs, and also at what can create new patterns. Then take a few moments to consider the following questions:
- How are we first socialized?
- In what ways are the messages of socialization reinforced?
- How are peoples’ behaviors kept in line with the goals of the socialization process?
- What are some of the results of being socialized in this way?
- What are the options, according to the diagram, that we have once we have been socialized?
- What are some of the risks of “interrupting,” or stepping away from the cycle of socialization? What are some of the benefits?
- What are some “real,” everyday actions that you could take to step away or interrupt this cycle?
Read: Review the resources on the RESilience website and see what catches your interest.
Listen: Listen to some of the stories on the EmbraceRace website that speak to how racial socialization shapes our individual and collective lives.
Discussion
After learning about the process of racial socialization and reflecting on the questions below, what came to mind for you?
- How are we first socialized?
- In what ways are the messages of socialization reinforced?
- How are peoples’ behaviors kept in line with the goals of the socialization process?
- What are some of the results of being socialized in this way?
- What are the options, according to the diagram, that we have once we have been socialized?
- What are some of the risks of “interrupting,” or stepping away from the cycle of socialization? What are some of the benefits?
- What are some “real,” everyday actions that you could take to step away or interrupt this cycle?
More Group Discussion Prompts
- What opened up for you?
- What’s still sticking with you?
- Tell us about an “aha” or “ouch” moment, or a moment that broke you open.
- How are you going to take this information and apply it?
- What action will you commit to?
- What action will you drive forward within your group/organization/community?
- What’s next for you? What’s next for us?
