Turning on the light
by
Beth Broadway
April 6, 2007
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Syracuse, New York
Beth Broadway is director of the Community Wide Dialogue to End Racism, in Syracuse, New York. The program, which has involved hundreds of people of all ages and from all walks of life, is entering its second decade. Here are some of her impressions.
"None of us willfully hurts other people, and yet we are besieged by racism. Fear and mistrust, based on stereotypes, turn us against one another, and structural racism persists in the economic system. But we are steadily breaking down this system of mistrust and privilege that is hurting us all.
"One of our responsibilities is to keep the community’s attention on the issue. I see us shining a light on the community, whether to say ‘Great job’ or ‘There’s a problem.’
"Facing racism and white privilege is like having a bright light turned on in a darkened room. The light hurts our eyes at first. But eventually, we realize we can see better with the lights on. Once we’ve opened our eyes, we can open our hearts.
"White guilt is useless, and rage doesn’t help either (unlike righteous anger, which can help).The fire was set long ago. We can stand around and watch it burn; we can put more fuel on the fire; or we can be part of the team that puts it out."
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