I clearly remember when I was first asked to share something about my culture. It was during my first PISAB (People’s Institute of Survival and Beyond) Undoing Racism and Community Organizing Workshop. I can still picture myself squirming in my chair as I desperately searched my mind for something I could share. People of Color were talking about their ancestors, music, dance, food, and more. I was ashamed and embarrassed that I couldn't find anything to share. What is my culture? Then, my shame and embarrassment turned to sadness. It felt like a part of me was just missing--a big gaping hole. I understand now that this missing piece is what causes us white folk to appropriate (steal) from other cultures and to cling so tightly to our internalized racial superiority. We have traded our culture for white supremacy culture.
Several years ago, when I started to attend European Dissent meetings (a white affinity space of PISAB), I finally decided it was time to do a cultural share. Sharing culture is one of the PISAB principles. The principle states, “Culture is the life support system of a community. If a community’s culture is respected and nurtured, the community’s power will grow.” So, I took the time to think about what this meant to me. I thought about my childhood and the things that we valued and the traditions we created. I talked about my family’s love of reading, and our quarterly “family circles,” where all the cousins, uncles, and aunts would get together. This IS culture, it's MY culture. I want to be able to feel the love and knowledge of my ancestors. This is the one place where I still struggle the most. This is the hole that I haven’t filled yet. A few weeks ago, my friend and colleague, Robin, shared an essay with me by Lyla June called “Reclaiming Our Indigenous European Roots.” While reading the essay, tears streamed down my face. Her words touched my soul and poured into that empty place. It felt like finding home. In those moments, I felt totally connected to my higher power--the power of shared humanity that connects us all. (I’ve included the essay as well as a podcast by Lyla in the resources section.) I hope that it touches you and moves you as it did to me to continue to heal myself. I know that the path to my healing is to open my heart so that I can hear the guidance and wisdom of my ancestors.
We white people need to heal ourselves so that we can stop stealing culture and show up grounded with clarity and purpose to play our part in dismantling racism. To quote Robin DiAngelo, “Racism is a white problem. It was constructed and created by white people and the ultimate responsibility lies with white people.”
See you on the journey,
Robin
Hear Rorri Geller Mohamed interview Dr. Alana Tappin and Robin Schlenger about their workshop “Shame Resilience and Transformation Skills for White People”
In this episode we discussed:
-What shame resilience is and what it looks like in anti-racism work.
-Why Alana and Robin started offering shame resilience workshops for white people.
-Alana and Robin's personal journeys through anti-racism work, and shame resilience and authentic conversations.
Click this LINK to listen to the podcast episode.
I will be presenting on "Shame Resilience for White People" with Dr. Alana Tappin and "The Arc of White Womanhood" with Robin Alpern (both on Saturday 4/10). Click here to learn more: White Privilege Conference 22 -Virtual | TPI Official
Contact and Conversation: Ambient Noise: https://www.facebook.com/670877399/videos/10158154364777400/.
Contact Robin for more information and registration: robin.schlenger@gmail.com.
People’s Institute of Survival and Beyond (PISAB) Training