How to Have Difficult Conversations About Racism

If you hear someone use a racial slur or say something that reinforces a harmful stereotype, it’s important to speak up, but it can be uncomfortable and difficult to do so. Today we’re going to watch a video and dig into some tips for how to have those tough conversations.

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Learning Goal: Respecting Differences

Grades: 9-12 | Activity Type: Extension | Status: X Original | Remix

Be Good People Curriculum © St. Croix River Education District

The video we’re watching discusses racism.

This topic can bring up a lot of emotions, so we as a class need to discuss this in a way that shows sensitivity, compassion, and respect for one another.

If you or a friend have experienced racial bullying, please reach out to a staff member or use our school’s other reporting options.

PLACE

VIDEO HERE

On a scale from 0 to 100, how helpful did you find the advice she shared in the video? Why?

100

0

Thinking of the advice she offered

and the types of conversations she’s referencing, in what ways would you expect someone to struggle?

What wisdom would you offer to another student to help them out?

At some point,

we need to recognize that a conversation is too “heated” and pause to “lower the temperature.” What are some signs that you’ve reached that point?

Imagine that in your first job after graduating, your workplace is losing employees because of “a culture of disrespect, aggression, and incivility.”

Your boss views you as a leader and asks you to lead a meeting with the goal of fixing this issue. What would you include?

Like any kind of bullying, speaking up against racial bullying can be very difficult.

On the next two slides, we’re going to review a few tips and then discuss.

Four Tips for Speaking Up Against Racial Bullying — Part 1

INTERRUPT

QUESTION

Speak up—every time, in the moment, without exception. Think about what you’ll say ahead of time so you’re prepared to act instantly.

Ask simple questions to find out why the speaker made the offensive comment and how you can best address the situation.

TRY SAYING:

• “I don’t like words like that.”
• “That phrase is hurtful.”

TRY SAYING:

• “Why do you say that?”
• “What do you mean?”
• “Tell me more.”

Speak Up Against Bias at School Pocket Guide. https://www.tolerance.org

Four Tips for Speaking Up Against Racial Bullying — Part 2

ECHO

EDUCATE

Explain why a term or phrase is offensive. Encourage the person to choose a different expression.

If someone else speaks up, thank them and echo their anti-bias message. One person’s voice is a powerful start. Many voices together create change.

TRY SAYING:

• “Do you know the history of that word?”

TRY SAYING:

• “Thanks for speaking up. I agree that word is offensive and we shouldn’t use it.”

Speak Up Against Bias at School Pocket Guide. https://www.tolerance.org

Which of the tips stood out to you as most important? Why?

In what ways would you expect someone to struggle when speaking up against racial bullying? What wisdom would you offer to another student to help them out?

Nice work! To recap, we learned more about: