The George Floyd trial is over. Most believe that the verdict was just…and the ugliness of racism is beginning to recede from the news.
Most Americans became uncomfortable when confronted with racism on that scale. We witnessed other videos and learned that racist epitaphs were hurled at Black Capitol police officers during the January 6th riot.
Sadly, the memory of George Floyd has dimmed, and attention has been turned elsewhere. COVID 19 continues to divide the country, and Afghanistan and other issues dominate the media landscape.
Some of the remaining debate centers on the extent of racism, with some believing that these are isolated incidents. While others see a frustrating. systemic racism that renders us powerless.
If history is an indicator, racism will continue to haunt us. New incidents will arise, such as the trial of Ahmaud Arbery, a young Black man killed while jogging by White vigilantes.
But there are less visible scars from racism. Not believing in oneself, learned helplessness, a belief that the deck is permanently stacked. Systemic racism tamps down ambition, as generations of Nonwhite Americans have concluded that the wheel of opportunity is rigged. Even with the gains of each generation and the positive impact of affirmative action, progress remains frustratingly slow.
The world is not given to us because we are White, but we enjoy special privileges without being aware of them. My friends and I worked hard to be successful; but we were given the keys to the system by our parents and grandparents. Affirmative action may give someone a key, but if he doesn’t know where or what a lock is…it is pretty hard to get in the door.
It is impossible for me to understand the trauma caused by generations of racism. I wonder how a Nonwhite American can distinguish White racists from White Americans who want change. History might cause someone to believe that all White American belong the first group.
These are not easy conversations.
Fortunately, a local group, St Michaels Community Conversations, hosts these discussions. On Tuesday, November 30, at 5 p.m., St Michaels Community Conversations will partner with the American Association of University Women (AAUW) to host a virtual conversation via ZOOM about long-term racial trauma. Sherone Lewis from Mid-Shore Behavioral Health, Inc. will speak about the trauma of racism from the perspective of the perpetrator and the victim. After her presentation, the group will engage in open dialog, with a goal of mutual understanding.
I hope that everyone who is curious will participate in this conversation. To receive a ZOOM link, email [email protected].
As we learn to walk in each other’s shoes, a true American melting pot can emerge. What a great opportunity for us all!
Angela Rieck, a Caroline County native, received her PhD in Mathematical Psychology from the University of Maryland and worked as a scientist at Bell Labs, and other high-tech companies in New Jersey before retiring as a corporate executive. Angela and her dogs divide their time between St Michaels and Key West Florida. Her daughter lives and works in New York City.
Darrell Parsons says
I would like to join this conversation, but the request came back as undeliverable.
Thanks.
L. Palmer says
The correct address to request the conversation link is [email protected].
We hope you can participate.
L.Palmer says
Hello Darrell,
To request the link for the conversation on Racial Trauma, please email [email protected].
Howard Snyder says
Dear Angela:
Understanding our own history…from 1621 through today will help many to understand how racism is not about the color of skin but about equal access to education and opportunity across our economic system. I am taking a course right now called Sacred Ground offered by the Episcopal Church, USA. You should check it out as another resource for better relationships among all kinds of people. It is a very personal trip. Have a good day.
Sharron Cassavant says
Thanks for drawing attention to this important zoom event.
Rev Julia Hart says
I believe the correct email/ link is [email protected]
EASTON was mispelled; leaving out the a.
Constance Morris Hope says
Angela Rieck’s article on The Trauma of Racism calls attention to a very serious problem. It correctly points out that Many of us fear that racism will continue to haunt us for generations. New incidents will arise, such as the trial of Ahmaud Arbery, a young Black man killed by White vigilantes while jogging. Lest we forget, I would add the recent increase in attacks against people of Asian and Pacific Islander descent to the example the writer provides. More than 9000 such attacks have been reported between March 2020 and now! Russell Jeung, co-founder of Stop AAPI Hate, said that many victims “are now displaying signs of racial trauma, where they have long-term effects of depression, anxiety and somatic symptoms.” For an insight into the mental health issues facing Asian Americans, particularly women, I recommend the book by Cathy Park Hong entitled “Minor Feelings”. Please join the conversation on November 30th at 5:00pm via ZOOM. To receive a ZOOM link, email [email protected].
Stephen Schaare says
Did you know that the vast majority of anti-asian attacks are committed by people of color?
Go figure.
Constance Hope says
Your allegation is false. Please read the three articles in the links below. Thank you.
https://asamnews.com/2021/05/22/findings-do-not-support-popular-misconceptions-about-the-asian-and-black-communities/
https://www.newsweek.com/stop-blaming-black-people-anti-asian-hate-opinion-1577887
https://www.brookings.edu/blog/how-we-rise/2021/03/11/why-the-trope-of-black-asian-conflict-in-the-face-of-anti-asian-violence-dismisses-solidarity/
Chris Roberts says
“The only way to stop racism is to stop talking about it.” – Morgan Freeman
Deirdre LaMotte says
……And to start doing something about it
Constance Morris Hope says
I disagree 100%!! We will never dismantle racism if there is no dialogue, no conversation among us to gain a better understanding of the issues involved, and to find common ground about what needs to be done.
Rose Potter says
It’s hard for me to believe Morgan Freeman would make such a statement. If he did say it, it is ridiculous. Not talking about racism does not dismiss racism!
Cornelia Wolfe says
I’m looking forward to understanding more about this important topic and sharing a discussion with our
neighbors of all races and ethnicities.
Dodie Theune, PhD, Curriculum Chair, Chesapeake Forum says
This is a brave article, considering that many, perhaps too many, Talbotonians do not think “we” have a race problem. Race is a tender topic but leave people like Angela and groups like ST Michaels Conversations, Talbot Family Network and others are helping to bring the issue to the fore. In fact, the Chesapeake Forum, an Academy for Lifelong Learning is partnering with the Oxford Community Center to present a three-part program: Conversations on Race- An American Dilemma. The first session on February 9 at noontime will be led by Margaret Andersen PhD author of Getting Smart About Race, the second session, February 16, led by Constance Hope, PhD will discuss the Language of Race and its affects. The third session on February 23, will be a panel of Talbot Community Leaders (Nancy Andrew and others) to explore what more can be done to alleviate the trauma of Racism.
Linda Toyo Obayashi says
Article
With full disclosure, I serve with the Saint Michaels group that is co-hosting and organizing the next conversation about the trauma of racism. I experienced anti-Asian racism as a child and have never forgotten the vitriol and hate. What prompted me to raise my hand in this community, around the issue of race, came after my marching along with fellow neighbors in protesting the horrific killing of George Floyd. I was comforted to know that there are fellow citizens who care deeply about these issues and a police Chief who supported the effort. In fact, I contacted Chief Smith to bring his attention to the fact that there are Asian Americans who live in fear in our community, given the rash of violent incidents against Asians in America. The trauma and fear we experience can be traced back to the racist history against people of color in our country. We need to study our American history with clear eyes and make the personal decision not to perpetuate and continue discrimination against any fellow American regardless of race, creed, or sexual orientation. America is unique in the world as we have created opportunities for all strivers of all creed and color, and yet we have also visited violence and racism on these same strivers.
With further dialogue, sharing, and extending ourselves, we can find our better angels as we all have the same hopes, dreams and aspirations, to live peacefully together and not in fear.
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Paulette Florio says
Toyo,
Thank you and your committee for the upcoming conversations about the trauma of racism. May this be a huge step towards expanding our understanding and compassion for one another.
Paulette