Response #2-Learn some history!! We are such a here and now culture. Every major social/political issue of today is tied to the past. Nothing is new, folks. Culturally-speaking, some groups are wired to see things in context however many are not. There are many dangers to missing context such as misunderstanding causes of problems and disconnection from the emotional baggage surrounding what seems like a current event. Historical interpretations, just like present day journalism, are value-laden. I would recommend having an openness to a variety of voices and listening to first-hand accounts of history. If you want to look at the past to get a better understanding of recent events in Baltimore: Here are three things (amongst MANY) that you can do from your computer: (1) Check out PBS's the African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross mini-series (http://www.pbs.org/wnet/african-americans-many-rivers-to-cross/video/the-black-atlantic/) , (2) Read some of Martin Luther King's thoughts about urban violence in the city of Chicago in the 1960s ( https://kinginstitute.stanford.edu/king-papers/publications/autobiography-martin-luther-king-jr-contents/chapter-28-chicago-campaign) , and (3) learn about violence against blacks from the journalistic work of Ida B Wells.
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Response #1- Be honest. Examine through prayer and/or meditation how you might benefit, contribute to, or ignore injustice in the world. (Here's a hint: will all do). Also, consider how you have been privileged based on unmerited qualities? Write your thoughts down on a list. It will be tempting--but stay focused on you and not others. This list will helps us to stay humble and not make boogie men/women out of folks in the future. This can be a pretty painful exercise but before you get bogged down in shame (although, action-oriented guilt is ok), remember that this is only a starting point.
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Your-Humble-Advice-GiversChristina is a cultural faux pas magnet. Questions from people of color and racial majority folks about micro-aggressions and cultural misunderstandings tend to fill her week. Between answering such questions she has served as a mental health practitioner, administrator, educator, public speaker and die-hard family-woman. When it comes to culture, from the funny to the tragic, she has heard it all. Remember cultural competency is a journey so lets journey together.
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