Bridge to Healing: Grappling with Whiteness as Interculturalists

Bridge to Healing: Grappling with Whiteness as Interculturalists

When I set out to pursue a masters’ degree in Intercultural Relations through University of the Pacific and the Intercultural Communication Institute, it was because the program spoke to me so clearly about culture and community, righting racial wrongs, and speaking out for equity and inclusion. Throughout the program, we learned to remain curious, stay mindful, and appreciate cross-cultural dialogue and perspectives, with an eye cast to the international.
But even as we were naming white supremacy out loud (which felt monumental to me in 2012), we were skipping past the deep work of looking at our own racial introspection in a scholarly field of predominantly white and white-identifying academics.

As we learn previously untaught historical truths, we have to grapple honestly with our racial past and modern history so it becomes a part of us; part of our deeper understanding. Remember, this self-exploration can be applied individually, within ourselves and the individuals we serve, and also within the organizations we serve and within the environment, communities, and fields we serve.

Today I hope to impart three things in a short amount of time:
First, I take pride in the belief that as Interculturalists we are built for the depth and challenge of this work. Many in the room today are considered international and domestic pioneers in the field, and I’m convinced we hold at least one set of keys that opens the door to exposing and coming to terms with the historical truths of whiteness in the United States.

Second, that accountability groups offer unmatched value in collectively striving for racial humility and accountability. In these spaces, we build a learning community of the most critical kind.

And, third, I want us to recognize what grappling and processing tools we already have at our disposal. Using these resources keeps us from fleeing, freezing, fighting, or fragility — and this would lead us into a deeper Round Table Discussion later this week, on how all of this comes together for us, as a collective.

Part 1: Interculturalists are Built for this
When learning something new, our passion and zeal and determination can be overridden by fright, fragility, or an overwhelming need to run away. Even the most enthusiastic and empathetic of us can become paralyzed by racial shame, uncertainty, and self-doubt. Privilege tells us it’s okay to quit … but here’s the thing:

(1) Interculturalists are, quite literally, built for this. What better-prepared group of open-minded, compassionate, and culturally aware people to do this introspective racial work is there? We know how to lean into discomfort to toughen our racial muscles. We know the depth and value of our commitment to equity, belonging, and justice. We know the value in believing the storyteller’s words and we know the danger of a single story. We are familiar with the insidious meanings of white supremacy and we have the ability to counter it.

(2) Everyone here has processed through difficult information and all sorts of challenges in our lives — Why would we grapple differently with racial learning? We know how to look inward and untie complicated emotions.

(3) As Interculturalists, we embrace what our curiosity unearths. Let’s turn that lens inward. This time, let us be the recipients of our own empathetic teaching style. Let us be each other’s support in moving this work forward. Let’s truly progress.

Part II. White Accountability Groups
It is a myth that it’s racist to talk about race. On the contrary, it is harmful not to talk about race and white identity. We become tongue-tied because we’re not at all prepared to discuss complex or simple racial issues. In fact, we’ve been discouraged from speaking about it, hence the perpetuated myth! If we aren’t able to recognize and discuss whiteness, break it down, and dismantle it, then we are perpetuating it and divorcing ourselves from racial realities.

In camaraderie, we white people also must begin to see ourselves racially. We have many things to unlearn and relearn, and blindspots to be wiped clear. White accountability groups are a highly effective place for us to examine our shifting perspectives, speak candidly from a place of curiosity and growth, and build a community of others working through the same ideas and emotions.

A structured and supportive accountability group helps us gather the resources to work through challenging racial issues without our processing causing harm to others. There is space for self-examination to challenge and keep ourselves and each other accountable with altruism and love.

Part III. Grappling
Everyone here knows what shame and guilt, fear and anger feel like. The reactions that surface in us during racial discussions are strategically designed by white supremacy. And they can be incredibly intense! Running away from this work — fighting and resisting its core truths — is arguably the whitest of our racial privilege. It gives us permission to avoid historical truths and excuses us from responsibility and accountability.

Grappling and processing new information and ideas should feel familiar. We already know how to grapple with life’s changes and choices. We already have methods with which we work through challenging emotions and shifting perspectives. In each of our lives, we’ ve had intense issues we needed to wrestle with – disagreements, life changes, family matters, financial struggles, health challenges — and now this work. We already have the tools, and through building supportive learning communities, we’ll be adding new ways to reinforce our reeducation through the experiences of others.

And let me be very clear—in no way does that mean we are exempted from any part of the work or that we get to skip any steps in this introspective deep-dive. We are not different or more special than any other person at the doorstep of this somber and revealing path toward grief resolution and collective healing.

We begin with what we know best as Interculturalists. Emotional intelligence. Mindfulness. Personal leadership. Embracing ambiguity. Interacting daily with our own consciousness. And, importantly, regularly asking ourselves questions to observe our personal social action and growth, such as: What are we putting out there with our behaviors and our social actions? Who might we be harming with our whiteness? and, Where do I feel connections right now, whether I am processing alone or with others?

My own style of grappling took the form of much pacing. Around my house, yard, neighborhood, and sometimes along with retail therapy. My mind swirled with images, emotion, and information. I felt different bodily reactions as I processed the new information I was starting to understand about myself and the way I was raised. My stomach ached, and I often clenched it with both hands while walking.

None of this was comfortable and all of it was crucial.

Journaling has proven to be an extremely effective way of addressing feelings, asking questions, and reflecting on our actions. Every therapist or counselor or healer I’ve spoken with suggests journaling first. The insights and guidance we receive through writing out our processes, thoughts, questions, and feelings is invaluable for building racial capacity.

These are only a fraction of methods at our disposal, I’m looking forward to breaking it down further at the Round Table later this week.

In closing, I want to be very clear about a few things. This work is not built upon white pride nor should it be framed in any way by white shame and guilt. The work is based in dismantling white

supremacy and learning the historical truths of our country.. It is based in profound, unresolved, collective grief. It is about us becoming whole again. Does that mean there won’t be reactivity that shows up as fragility, fear, fight, flight? Of course not, but as Interculturalists, we are well-equipped for this work.

Through possibilities and progress, we use deeper introspection to build purpose and better prepare ourselves and others for this inclusionary work … in ourselves, in those we serve and work to heal and educate, and in each of the industries we work in.

The depth of learning in the field of intercultural is limitless. Interculturalism is introspection and intentionality. Interculturalism is anti-racism and social justice. An intercultural focus is every single aspect it needs to be to promote racial and cultural inclusion, belonging, and equity. Whether you are well-seasoned, mid-experience, or first exploring white racial accountability groups and introspective processing, change and growth is absolutely within all of our grasp.