Diverse Perspectives on Race are Vital, but Fear Hinders Expression
Ayishat Akanbi on ensuring a diverse range of race-related views are heard
To ensure that a wide range of viewpoints on race are heard, we must first address people's fears about expressing their opinions. These fears can be caused by various factors, including the fear of being ostracised by their community, being misunderstood, and being attacked by those who disagree with them.
One way to combat these fears is to create a “safe space” for people to share their views. This could involve hosting in-person events where people can have open and honest conversations about race, such as the Towards The Common Good Conference hosted by The Equiano Project.
It is also essential to challenge the myth of "authentic blackness," which suggests that there is only one way to be black and that any other perspective is considered a betrayal. We can also encourage more views on race by asking people to determine what is more important to them: exploring different ideas or gaining acceptance from people who think it's too dangerous even to entertain the idea that various factors may contribute to the issues they care about.
There is no single solution to the problem of racism and we need to hear from various perspectives to find the best way to address it. We should also present a vision that is as attractive as anti-racism presents itself to be. “Disadvantaged” people don't need academic pessimism cloaked as liberation. What is beneficial is exposure, awareness of their capabilities, and not having their identity reduced to their obstacles. Any worldview that discourages curiosity and encourages the presumption of ill intention is self-sabotaging and life-denying.
So, watch the video until the end and feel free to let us know your thoughts in the comments!
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