Reflection on Anti-racism Training

           One of the most difficult things about living in a nation as diverse as the United States for many people is learning to empathetically look at and understand the stories of those different from themsevles. As I discovered by conversing with other students at the anti-racism training workshop held with Regina Shands Stoltzfus, inherent racism and exclusive stereotypes can arise from the way we grow up and the experiences we have as both children and adults if we only look at one story of a group of people that are different from ourselves. In reflecting on the round table discussions I had, I was not only able to hear and appreciate the stories of others, but was given the opportunity to look back at my own background and the way I have been influenced through my family and its values. Regina did a very good job of showing how what we learn from family and culture can also be influenced by societal structures, such as government policies. Historically, the government has made certain programs more difficult for people of color to attain, which is something I have never been exposed to as a Caucasian. However, through learning that hierarchies continue to exist, I am aware that they can be exclusive in a subtle manner.

            My own racial identity is not something that I have talked much about before coming to college. Nevertheless, discussing the privilege I sometimes have because of my skin color is important, as it is critical to know how these privileges can affect my standing in a diverse society. I believe that it is also important to understand how racism, although it is not an overt problem in the United States anymore, still affects how people are treated by the national government and its policies. Along with this, I believe that learning how bigger systems affect personal identity is also very important, as different individuals can feel the influence of government policies in various ways, depending on what they were taught about issues like race growing up.

            In looking at how my own prejudices can affect my role as an educator, I believe that it is important to understand that my opinion and inherent biases can translate to how I look at students different from myself in the classroom. However, I believe that this recognition is essential because it shows that by recognizing my own limitations, I have the ability to teach my students that differences exist and that they make individuals unique. By stressing the beauty of our differences and allowing students to acknowledge the cultural and societal influences that have affected them, I as a teacher will be able to introduce them to an open mindset that recognizes and embraces diversity.