Message Control
One interesting anti-racist tactic I just stumbled upon was encouraging Whites to develop “empathic approximation experiences.” In simple terms, start thinking of things in their own life that might approximate the racism minorities feel, in order that they can better empathize with their plight (instead of viewing it as paranoid insanity, which seems like how many White people view minority claims of the continuance of racism in America). For example a Jew who experiences anti-Semitism might be able to find parallels behind his own life and that of his African-American friends.
Ironically enough, I had an “empathic approximating experience” in the process of researching “empathic approximating experiences.” You can read it about here, at my home blog.
One Response to “Message Control”
I must admit I had such an experience in both junior high school and as a young adult. For a very small amount of time I knew what it felt like being a homosexual in a hostile world. As a young male, I had a very effeminate look amount me. In fact, I was so “pretty” that I sometimes was mistaken for a girl. My long hair certainly didn’t help the situation. This appearance gave me the dubious distinction of being accused of being gay in 8th grade. The rumor didn’t spread, but it did persist for about two months in my own class. I didn’t get beat up, but I was made fun of persistently. It lasted until school was over for that year. I also remember a time when an adult friend was having major problems at his home. He absolutely needed to talk to me about it. It was pouring rain and we were hungry. We decided to go to a decent restaurant. It happened to be on a Friday night. Well, we both sat down at the table and noticed that most in the room were staring at us and smiling knowing looks. For the most part the stares ended until we left. When we left, I again saw people giving condescending snickers. It felt really weird and uncomfortable. I didn’t figure it out until after we were in the car. They thought we were gay. I can only imagine what it’s like being gay in a hostile home or town. I believe those two experiences made me a better person and more openminded.