Ep. 8: Exploring Racism as White Women

Disclaimer: this episode is a conversation between 2 white women about doing their own work around racism, deconstructing and becoming more antiracist. This conversation includes situations where we have caused harm to BIPOC through actions and words.  If you are a BIPOC, we are deeply sorry for harm done in the past, now, and in the future as we continue our education and strive to be more antiracist. Our intention is to not cause more harm or trauma so want to be clear what we are sharing in this podcast. We are not asking you to hold space, educate us or our listeners, asking for your emotional labor, unpaid efforts, etc. This episode is very messy - literally right from the very beginning. Tia and Kim discuss their explorations around racism, as white women, being at different points on their own deconstructing racism journey. Neither of us are experts in teaching anti-racism.

We felt it was necessary to show up, as we are in this moment, for a conversation. Discussing racism and white fragility/privilege is difficult and uncomfortable, but necessary. As white people, we need to do our work. 

Doing the work means understanding institutional/systemic racism, how racism affects the lived experience of BIPOC, how white people unknowingly harm BIPOC through their words and actions, and going within to work through all of this and more. Notice what it stirs in you. Lean into your discomfort. That is where you start to look. Listen. Learn. Unlearn. Grow. Speak Up. Take Action. If not now, when?

There are several resources online. Please go to this Google Document by Katherine Rand to get started.

““Racist” and “antiracist” are like peelable name tags that are placed and replaced based on what someone is doing or not doing, supporting or expressing in each moment. These are not permanent tattoos. No one becomes a racist or antiracist. We can only strive to be one or the other. We can unknowingly strive to be a racist. We can knowingly strive to be an antiracist. Like fighting an addiction, being an antiracist requires persistent self-awareness, constant self-criticism, and regular self-examination." ~Ibram X. Kendi from “How to Be an Antiracist”

To Contact Us:

Masks Off Email: [email protected]

Masks Off YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/channel/UCaWJfO7ZFd4aYBX3e-clj9Q

Tia Fagan

Website: tiafagan.com

Facebook: @tiafagancoach

Instagram: @tiafagancoach

Email: [email protected]

Kim Gross

Website: unlock-yourmind.com

Facebook: @unlockyourmindhypnotherapy

Email: [email protected]