What do you like about being......?

When I took the Undoing Racism workshop back in 2011, one of the exercises was to get in race-based groups and answer the question, "What do you like about being your race?" 

So, before you read further, answer the question,  "What do you like about being your race?"


It was so stunning when answers were shared in the large group.  Minority cultures expressed their love for various foods, music, dances, traditions, language, spirituality, strength as survivors and overcomers, physical characteristics.  These lists were very soulful, relational, and communal. 

White groups had a starkly different list including liking being part of the majority, access to opportunities, blending in without being noticed, having advantages and privileges due to race, a sense of security and ease.

As the large group discussed these lists, it was acknowledged that those in white culture had not focused on their ethnic heritage.  Many immigrants (Irish, German, Polish, etc.), in fact, came to America and began to hide their heritage, culture, and language to assimilate and gain white status and privilege.  Much of their rich culture and heritage did not get passed down from generation to generation in white dominate culture. 

The group also discussed that when asked, the white group said that it would be difficult to give up anything on their list....which hits at the very center of the construct of race and racism: power and privilege afforded to one race at the expense of other races. 

What is your ethnic heritage?  How much do you know about your ancestor's culture?  Do you think that some of your heritage and culture may have been traded and lost in order to gain white status and privilege?