Why Should We Talk About Race?

Diversity Forum: Why Should We Talk About Race?
With Dr. Shelly Tochluk

Begins at 7:30 PM

The dominant culture in the United States holds that being “colorblind” is the best way to move past historic and contemporary race issues. But, what if our best intentions were undermined by unintended consequences that come with this stance? What if our language unwittingly offered messages that were contrary to how we actually feel? If it is true that colorblindness has a significant downside, can we imagine the possibility that our society is ready for an updated approach to race issues, one that focuses on bringing unconscious material to awareness?

Dr. Shelly Tochluk is an educator with a background in depth psychology and the author ofWitnessing Whiteness: The Need to Talk about Race and How to Do It. Important for educators and parents, her presentations reveal the damage that a “colorblind” perspective often unintentionally creates and the benefits that come with being race conscious, including more authentic and trusting relationships across race and a reduction in anxiety when discussing race. When teachers and parents enjoy these benefits, they are then better able to pass the requisite skills and understandings on to the young people in their lives, thereby equipping them to more successfully navigate our complex, multiracial society. 

For more information contact Vicki Larson: vlarson@gmws.org