IN THE MIRROR: Part Four
- John-Michael Scurio
- Aug 8, 2023
- 6 min read
Humans are creatures of habit, and our comfort zones provide us with a sense of security. Stepping outside these familiar boundaries can be intimidating, leading to fear of the unknown and resistance to change.
But change is an inevitable part of life, and my blog series IN THE MIRROR presents us all with different opportunities for personal, introspective growth.
Our beliefs about ourselves and our abilities can influence our willingness to embrace change. We all get stuck in thinking patters and ways of thinking and a negative self-perception might lead us to doubt our capacity for success.
Societal expectations, cultural norms, family and peer influence can create pressures to conform, making it difficult to pursue personal aspirations.
IN THE MIRROR brings valuable resources to YOU. Each of these resources are outlined in the following list. In Part One, I covered (IN) in Part Two (THE) and in Part Three (MIR.) This is the final installment in this blog-post series and I will provide information about (ROR.)
I - Involve
N - Notice
T - Think
H - Hear
E - Engage
M - Move
I - Inspire
R - Reflect
R - Read
O - Observe
R - Reevaluate
R - Read
Reading is powerful. Reading books on subjects that are most unfamiliar to us offers opportunities to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of identity, cultural experiences, and social justice issues, ultimately promoting empathy, inclusion, and allyship. Here's a list of books that you may choose to consider (and I hope that you do:)
Intersectionality by Patricia Hill Collins delves into the concept of intersectionality, exploring how social identities intersect and interlock, leading to unique experiences and forms of discrimination. It offers a comprehensive analysis of the intersections of race, gender, class, and other social categories and their implications in shaping systems of power and privilege.
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas, follows the life of Starr Carter, a young African-American girl who witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood friend by a police officer. The book examines themes of race, police brutality, and the resilience of communities in the face of injustice.
How White People Got Made, by Quinn Norton, explores where the term “white people” comes from and which ethnic groups have and have not been able to become “white” through US history.
Explaining White Privilege to a Broke White Person, Gina Crosley-Corcoran, raised “the kind of poor that people don’t want to believe still exists in this country,” explores where race and class do and don’t intersect and how she’s come to understand her own white privilege.
Infographic: What Is Tone Policing And Why Is It Wrong? Shambhavi Raj Singh infographic explaining what tone policing is, why it's harmful, and how to avoid it.
The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri is a captivating novel that explores the experiences of a Bengali Indian immigrant family in the United States. The story follows the struggles of Gogol, a first-generation American, as he navigates the complexities of cultural identity and the challenges of bridging two worlds. Through rich storytelling, Lahiri eloquently portrays the nuances of the immigrant experience, the interplay between tradition and assimilation, and the significance of names and roots in shaping an individual's sense of self.
The Case for Reparations Ta-Nehisi Coates explains how reparations entail much more enslavement.
The Butterfly Mosque by G. Willow Wilson shares her personal journey as an American woman who converts to Islam and moves to Egypt. Through her experiences, Wilson offers profound insights into Arab and Muslim cultures, dispelling misconceptions and showcasing the beauty and diversity within. The book also highlights the challenges and joys of navigating a new cultural and religious identity and serves as a testament to the power of intercultural understanding and empathy.
Opinion: Why BIPOC Is An Inadequate Acronym Kearie Daniel breaks down the term BIPOC and why it doesn’t sit well with her.
The Injustice of This Moment Is not an ‘Aberration’ Michelle Alexander contextualizes the 2020 state of racism/white supremacy as an inevitable outcome of a collective narrative steeped in denial.
O - Observe
The Danger of a Single Story (18:49)
In this thought-provoking talk, Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie explores the impact of stereotypes and the danger of reducing complex cultures to a single narrative. Drawing from her personal experiences, she discusses how exposure to limited perspectives can lead to misunderstandings and perpetuate biases. Adichie emphasizes the importance of embracing diverse stories and acknowledges that multiple narratives are essential to create a more inclusive and compassionate world.
Bryan Stevenson, a renowned civil rights attorney and founder of the Equal Justice Initiative, delivers a compelling talk about racial injustice in the American criminal justice system. He shares powerful stories of individuals unfairly impacted by racial bias and emphasizes the urgent need to address systemic inequalities. Stevenson's call for greater compassion and understanding challenges viewers to confront the legacy of racism and work towards a more equitable society. This talk serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of advocacy and the ongoing struggle for civil rights.
TED Talk by comedian and journalist Stella Young who happens to go about her day in a wheelchair — a fact that doesn't, she'd like to make clear, automatically turn her into a noble inspiration to all humanity. In this very funny talk, Young breaks down society's habit of turning disabled people into "inspiration porn."
R - Reevaluate
As a DEI professional, I cannot stress enough the power of reevaluation as a transformative tool in dismantling bias, addressing social injustice, discrimination, and inequality. By actively engaging in the areas of action that have been outlined in this blog-series: Involve, Notice, Think, Hear, Engage, Move, Inspire, Reflect, Read, and Observe, it is Reevaluation that stands out to me, personally, as the one that ties it all together and emphasizes the importance of the work.
Each and every one of us, as individuals, can take meaningful steps towards fostering a more inclusive and equitable society. IN THE MIRROR, helps you learn, grow, change and reevaluate.
Areas of Action:
Involve: Engage with diverse communities and immerse yourself in experiences outside your comfort zone. Seek out opportunities to collaborate with individuals from different backgrounds and perspectives. Embrace inclusivity in decision-making processes and actively involve marginalized voices in discussions that impact them. Notice: Pay close attention to your thoughts, actions, and surroundings. Be vigilant in identifying biases and assumptions that influence your perceptions and behaviors. Notice disparities and discriminatory practices in your environment and challenge them with a commitment to change.
Think: Take time for introspection and self-awareness. Reflect on your beliefs and values, and question where they come from. Challenge your own stereotypes and preconceptions. Adopt a growth mindset that is open to learning and unlearning. Hear: Listen actively and empathetically to the experiences of marginalized individuals. Seek to understand their perspectives and challenges. Amplify their voices and validate their lived realities. Engage: Actively participate in conversations and initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. Advocate for systemic changes that address social injustices and inequalities. Be a proactive ally to marginalized communities. Move: Take action to address discriminatory practices and policies in your workplace, community, and society at large. Advocate for fair and just treatment for all individuals, regardless of their background. Inspire: Lead by example and inspire others to join the movement towards greater equity and inclusion. Use your platform to raise awareness and promote positive change. Reflect: Continuously evaluate your actions and their impact on others. Be open to feedback and learn from your mistakes. Regularly assess your progress and set new goals for personal growth in DEI work. Read: Educate yourself on the history of social injustices and the experiences of marginalized communities. Read books, articles, and resources that promote understanding and empathy. Observe: Be attentive to instances of discrimination and microaggressions. Speak up when you witness injustice and be a vocal advocate for those who are marginalized.
Incorporating these areas of action into your daily life will foster a culture of empathy, understanding, and inclusion. Reevaluation is an ongoing personal journey that involves mind/heart connection, and by continually challenging ourselves and our society, we can contribute to the transformation of deeply ingrained biases and systems of oppression. I encourage you to embrace the power of reevaluation in your life as an ongoing practice and be an agent of positive change in your corner of the world in the ongoing human fight against bias, social injustice, discrimination, and inequality.
This blog-series is designed to encourage introspection and foster a deeper understanding of how one perceives and interacts with the diverse world around them. Self-awareness is crucial for promoting positive change and contributing to a more inclusive society.
The only constant is change. Change is an inevitable part of life and we are all contributing to life in some way with how we see, think and do. Ask yourself: Are you looking IN THE MIRROR?🌈
