[Street] Wisdom from Anti-oppression WG: becoming Anti Racist

Brian K bdubkwob at gmail.com
Wed Jan 11 14:43:43 EST 2012


More insight and wisdom from the anti-oppression WG.

-BK

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Clyde Grubbs <cegrubbs at mac.com>
Date: Mon, Jan 9, 2012 at 9:49 PM
Subject: Continuum through which groups move to become Anti Racist
To: check_your_privilege_ob at googlegroups.com


There is a developmental continuum through which groups engaged in the
transformation process of becoming anti-racist multicultural organizations
move.


   - That continuum begins with the de facto segregated institution (Stage
   1). Moving to the next stage requires learning to appreciate diversity and
   beginning to raise awareness of oppression issues. Here the group begins to
   examine the nature of stereotyping and prejudice, and examines the
   consequences of behaviors stemming from prejudice.

   - At Stage 2, groups move into a passive, club-type institution, which
   may have a few token people of color. Moving to the next stage requires
   that groups understand the nature of oppression and begin to understand the
   need to take action against oppressive attitudes and behaviors.

   - From that step, a group begins to manifest a symbolic change with a
   commitment to being open (Stage 3). In this situation there is a desire for
   inclusion, even recruitment of people of color, but it remains symbolic
   with no contextual changes in culture, policies and decision making, and
   little awareness, if any, of the habit of privilege. Groups do begin to
   take action to stop oppressive actions.

   - Stage 4, the next level to which groups move, is an awakening,
   (generally with the leadership of a trained anti racist organizing team of
   both POC and white allies,) which stimulates a deeper analysis and an
   expanding view of all those whom diversity might include. Although there is
   a desire on this level to eliminate discriminatory practices, it is
   implemented within the context of the norms and practices of the dominant
   group's world view.

   - Moving to Stage 5 involves a group in making structural change and
   redefining itself, becoming willing to share power, problem solving, and
   decisions, to struggle together to find the win/win solution, opening up
   all aspects of the group's life to examination.

   - When this process is completed, a group is ready to become truly
   inclusive (Stage 6), understanding diversity as an asset and reflection of
   the group's culture. Use of power and decision making reflect the
   contributions of diverse peoples and their world views. The sense of
   community and mutual caring feels authentic and shapes the life of the
   group. Such a group has become anti-racist and multicultural.

It is our assumption that groups can move back and forth on this continuum,
but cannot skip a level in their progress.
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