Listening, Learning, and Unlearning: Insights from 'Exit Racism
In a world filled with division, prejudice, and inequality, the pursuit of understanding and acceptance is more crucial than ever. One powerful resource to tackle racism is the book and podcast "Exit Racism" by Tupoka Ogette. This insightful book delves deep into the complexities of racism, challenging readers to confront uncomfortable truths while offering pathways toward genuine change and reconciliation.
As a white half Chilean, half Swiss woman living in Switzerland, the topic of racism has not been very present in my life. While I've undoubtedly encountered instances of prejudice due to my heritage and experienced disadvantages for being a woman, I am acutely aware of the privilege afforded to me by the color of my skin, the power of my Swiss passport and Swiss family name.
Delving into the motivations behind the predominantly white applicants to collaboratio helvetica was a journey spurred by a deep commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion. Recognizing the importance of representation and equitable opportunities, I embarked on an exploration to understand the underlying factors driving this trend. Ultimately wanting to enrich our organization with diverse perspectives and experiences. It's this recognition that led me to delve into "Exit Racism" by Tupoka Ogette, a book that has profoundly impacted my understanding of race and prejudice.
“We are all racists! The question is, how aware are you of your own biases and can you catch yourself when you are in it?”
One of the most profound lessons I gleaned from "Exit Racism" was the concept that everyone, regardless of their intentions or beliefs, is complicit in perpetuating racism to some degree. This realization was uncomfortable at first, challenging my preconceived notions of innocence and guilt. However, as I delved deeper into Ogette's arguments and reflected on my own experiences, I began to see the truth in her words.
Listening to the accompanying podcast further enriched my understanding of the book's themes. Hearing firsthand accounts of individuals grappling with their own biases and prejudices was both humbling and eye-opening. I was deeply touched by the courage and vulnerability of those who shared their stories, and it reinforced the importance of empathy and compassion in tackling issues of racism.
One aspect of "Exit Racism" that surprised me was the striking parallels I could draw between racism and feminism, feminism being a topic I am more familiar with. It was interesting to see how both systems of oppression are deeply entrenched in society's structures, perpetuating inequality and injustice and how similar the arguments of repression are between racism and sexism. In the end dehumanising people of colour/women in order to justify their mistreatment and oppression.
Throughout my journey with "Exit Racism," I've come to realize the importance of staying open to feedback, even when it's difficult to hear. True growth and understanding can only occur when we approach conversations about race with humility and an open heart. While confronting our own biases may be uncomfortable, it is essential if we are to dismantle the systems of oppression that continue to divide us.
Here are 8 crucial key messages from the book:
Conscious Language: If we want to avoid unconsciously perpetuating racism, we must be mindful of the language we use.
Social System: Racism is not just an individual decision but a deeply ingrained social system, primarily benefiting white people.
Historical Roots: Modern racism traces back to the moral justification of the slave trade through pseudobiological devaluation of non-white people.
Persistence: Despite originating in the 15th century, racism persists today and is often pushed out of everyday discourse.
Privilege Awareness: Recognizing racism in daily life requires awareness of our own privileges and genuine engagement with those affected.
Manifestations: Modern racism often manifests through microaggressions and structural discrimination in everyday interactions.
Overcoming Prejudices: Our brains are wired for prejudices, making it crucial to actively work on overcoming our own biases.
Structural Root: Racism in Germany (and Switzerland) is not simply a radical fringe occurrence, but a deeply rooted system within the heart of our society. It stems from the pseudobiological devaluation of non-white people, which served to legitimize exploitation and colonization. The associated prejudices became so deeply ingrained in white society's moral sensibilities that they persist to this day. Only by stepping out of our comfort zone and truly listening to those affected can we combat structural racism in Germany & Switzerland.
At its core, "Exit Racism" is a call to action—a reminder that it is our personal responsibility to educate ourselves and actively challenge racism in all its forms. It challenges us to confront the uncomfortable truths of our society and empowers us to strive for a more just and equitable world. Ogette's insights serve as a roadmap for this journey, offering practical strategies for recognizing and addressing our own biases while advocating for justice and equality in our communities.
By embracing the lessons of empathy, humility, and self-reflection, we can work together to build a future where racism (and hopefully also sexism) is nothing more than a distant memory.
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Daphne Bucher joined collaboratio helvetica in 2017, initially taking over communication and visualisation and developing the organisation's communication strategy from scratch. For the past 3.5 years, she has been part of the leadership circle, shaping the organization's development. Daphne holds an MBA in Business Administration with a major in Business Development & Promotion. Her diverse work experience has given her extensive knowledge in communication related to social innovation and systems change. At collaboratio helvetica, she works on projects addressing social innovation and the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Switzerland, aligning her work with her values and passions.