Any discussion of race and culture in the hopes of providing greater understanding should begin with the phrase: “No shame; no blame; no guilt.”
To continue with honest and open discussions, I use this phrase to ensure my students will feel free to speak up. I also stress the importance of saying “Ouch” when someone utters a statement another person feels is hurtful even if unintended. Then we take time to understand what caused the “ouch.” Groups have a life and diversity affects that life deeply. I wholly believe that diversity adds so much to groups, school, country--and life.
So after our discussion in class dealing with the Black Arts Movement and Amiri Baraka, I felt the need to frame it--or connect our ideas within our discussion--to the “Three-Legged Stool” metaphor of Identity. Identity is comprised of three parts: Collective Identities, Individual Uniqueness and Common Humanity. For identity to “stand” it needs all three parts. Difficulty arises when one “leg” is overemphasized and another is diminished. For example, to recognize Common Humanity and not distinguish Collective Identity, is a problem evident when people claim not to “see” color. This kind of color blindness is a form of bigotry. It’s a form of racism I find common in my “mostly white” general English classes where they have not experienced multicultural learning and rarely have seen the benefits of diversity in groups.
I use the apology quotes for mostly white because there is in every group as much invisible diversity as there is visible. We, as teachers, need to see diversity and multiplicity as the norm and promote that view. Diversity does not divide, alienated or polarize group life. It gives life energy and perspective.
I feel I’ve been sermonizing and I hate it when I do that.
And I’ve been wandering, too. Sorry. I can’t help myself (sugar pie, honey bunch). It’s just my imagination, running away with me.
I should end with a video clip that says what I can’t seem to articulate.
It’s short. It’s on youtube.
And it’s called Lunch Date.
So, to quote the great Martha and the Vandellas: “Oh it doesn't matter what you wear / just as long as you are there.” No shame. No blame. No guilt.
--David Robinson
