With all of the recent events, protests and discussion around anti-black racism, it is has made me reflect on some valuable lessons I learned from Dr. Vern Redekop[1] while studying at the Canadian Institute for Conflict Resolution in the early 1990s. At that time, Vern was working on his PhD and I was honored to be part of a social experiment he was conducting as part of his dissertation. Vern was researching what would make people who had been discriminated against and harmed on many levels forgive their perpetrators and move forward, as well as increase understanding between the “victim” and the “perpetrator”.
To that end, Vern researched a number of different disciplines and conducted seminars that he invited a mix of people from various backgrounds, cultures, religions and ethnicities to participate in. At the beginning of each seminar he would share the research related to some aspect of the conflict process. Then we were divided into small groups to work on questions Vern provided. Following that we debriefed with the larger group.
There were many participants who shared horrific experiences based on religious, ethnic, and cultural differences. I recall a black man from Rwanda who had seen his family cut up in front of him as part of the genocide that took place in that country. There was an ex-policeman from Northern Ireland who had left the country due to death threats. There was a Sri Lankan woman who had been held hostage by the Khmer Rouge. So many stories and heart-breaking experiences were shared. As well, many of those who shared the horrific acts that had been perpetrated against them, also shared that they had learned to forgive their perpetrators.
There are several things that stand out for me from that experience that I believe can increase our understanding of anti-black racism and other prejudices and horrific acts. One was that in order for “victims” (those who had experienced atrocities and discrimination) to forgive their “perpetrators” (those who had committed the atrocities), the perpetrators had to acknowledge what they had done and issue a formal apology to that person or group. What also was useful in terms of process was for the “victim” or “victims” to sit in a circle with the “perpetrator” or “perpetrators” and for each to share how they were impacted by what had happened. This created increased understanding on both sides and also enabled the “victim(s)” to decide what type of punishment they felt was due to their “perpetrator”. This is how restorative justice is practised (for example among some indigenous communities in Canada) and it is interesting to note that the punishments that are decided upon by the “victim(s)” in a restorative justice process are usually much less harsh than typical sentences arrived at in court.[2]
The other learning that stands out for me was some research Vern shared that demonstrated that the need to belong outweighs many other human needs, and historical events have borne this out. This is important when we think about racism and other forms of prejudice and acts of violence, because it helps us to better understand why people do what they do. It also helps us recognize that it takes a strong and courageous person to step away from a group he/she belongs to and take a stand that is in opposition to that group as they run the risk of being criticized, punished and ostracized.
These two “lessons” from conflict studies and from research on history, human nature and culture I believe are important, particularly at this time when the light is being shone on anti-black racism and other forms of racism worldwide.
Understanding and awareness are important for change to begin. It is also important to understand that there are many layers of belief and cultural conditioning that we need to “peel away” in order to truly forgive, heal and create a better world.
“(A) world free of war and violence;
One where all cultures, (races) and religions are accepted;
Where all people are respected and treated with respect;
Where people live together in communities that model
The values of contribution, collaboration, caring and connection …
One that believes in the power of groups and synergy,
That the whole is greater than the sum of the parts;
A world where women and men stand together as partners.:”[3]
Based on these learnings what actions can we take to move forward and create a better world? I welcome your thoughts and suggestions below.
[1] Professor Emeritus, Conflict Studies, Saint Paul’s University, Founder of the Social Reconciliation, Just Peace and Development Research Group and author of From Violence to Blessing: How an Understanding of Deep-Rooted Conflict Can Open Paths to Reconciliation
[2] “Restorative justice is commonly defined as an approach to justice that focuses on addressing the harm caused by crime while holding the offender responsible for their actions, by providing an opportunity for the parties directly affected by the crime – victims, offenders and communities – to identify and address their needs in the aftermath of a crime. Restorative justice is based on an understanding that crime is a violation of people and relationships. The principles of restorative justice are based on respect, compassion and inclusivity. Restorative justice encourages meaningful engagement and accountability and provides an opportunity for healing, reparation and reintegration. Restorative justice processes take various forms and may take place at all stages of the criminal justice system.” (Source: https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/cj-jp/rj-jr/index.html)
[3] Excerpted and slightly modified from Learning to Dance with Life: A Guide for High Achieving Women by Pamela Thompson, pp. 153 & 154
Lack of opportunity starts a chain of negativity. In many areas, it is still difficult for a non-white person to enter university. No possibility of entering post-secondary institution leads to lack of ambition, leading to dropping out of high school and finding a low-paying/low stability job. Lower socio-economic status is linked to crime and violence. Non-whites need to be not only accepted, but welcomed into higher education to break that chain.
Hi Cynthia,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the importance of education and enabling everyone
to access it and be welcomed into centers of higher learning. There is also a need to
examine the way that we teach from elementary school and onwards that respects and takes
into consideration different ways of learning (e.g. story telling, using different types
of creative expression) that are culturally sensitive and inclusive. Out of times
like these I believe can come great opportunities for creative solutions.
Hi Pamela
Beautiful email. Thank you for sharing it. One thing I would add is that safety is HUGE a factor in creating these kinds of spaces. If we step into these mixed spaces too soon, we risk re-traumatizing the victims.
What that means, to me, in the context of anti-Black racism, is that folks who are white have learning to do about privilege and systemic anti-Black racism, see how it manifests itself, learn to be more aware of it, and need to step into accountability for the perpetuation (largely unconscious) of systemic anti-Black racism.
And, healing must occur in victimized communities – centuries of being told Black people have less value in various forms both overt and covert has taken a toll, and there is much anger at not having voices heard for so long. This has to happen, I believe, before people are willing to step into those mixed circles.
I’m hopeful that these circles (literally and figuratively) will occur. I believe we have to step into this work of dismantling anti-Black racism together, to heal the divide and recognize and value our common humanity. And…on each “side” there is some work to do to get us to the both/and place.
Hi Annemarie,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts as an expert in diversity and inclusion and with lived experience.
Indeed people have to feel safe and secure before they move into circles. I also acknowledge that as
everyone has different ways of how they typically respond to change, people have different ways of healing and
moving toward understanding and forgiveness. There is definitely not a “one-size fits all” approach. That
said, I believe there is much to learn from experiences world-wide on moving from conflict, hatred and injustice
toward understanding, peace and justice. Lessons from South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation panel and Dr. Vern Redekop’s
work and research are good places to start.