SPEAKING OF RACE

A cogent explanation of why respect and acceptance should ground conversations about race.

Headlee joins authors such as Ijeoma Oluo (So You Want To Talk About Race) and Robert Livingston (The Conversation) in offering practical suggestions for thinking about, and talking about, racism. Headlee’s mixed-race heritage—she identifies as a “light-skinned Black Jew”—and “non-race-specific features” have allowed her “to see the racial underpinnings of our society in a way that most can’t, or don’t.” Defining a racist as “someone who makes assumptions about another person (either positive or negative) because of their perceived race or ethnicity,” an attitude not limited to White supremacists, Headlee provides questions and exercises for self-evaluation. Drawing on research from neuroscience, psychology, political science, and sociology, as well as ideas from Buddhist thought and philosophy, the author offers a road map for crafting productive conversations that, she contends, “have the power to change hearts. Among her suggestions are engaging with others through curiosity, fostering empathy, and listening actively. She advocates “using a series of questions intended to increase your understanding” of someone else’s views while also encouraging them “to think through their ideas on a deeper level than they may have before.” Even when disagreeing on important issues, it’s possible to develop a meaningful relationship with someone “simply by spending time with them.” Commonalities, Headlee asserts, “help to build bridges of empathy.” Regarding conversational strategies, she advises that we take turns talking: “Before anyone states their own opinion, they should restate what they heard from the other person, making sure they’ve articulated their ideas accurately.” The author focuses most on private interchanges. In the workplace, businesses trying to promote diversity often employ unproductive methods that do not lead to a change in culture. True inclusivity requires “specific policies,” and it’s vital to realize that “silence is complicity.”

A thoughtful, enlightening guide that joins a host of others addressing persistent racism.