One thing that occurred to me as I listened to the discussion about racism toward the end of the open discussion is that in order to promote dialogue, we need to avoid judgement. I think judgements (positive or negative) inhibit dialogue. Negative judgements put people on the defensive causing them to shut down or become angry and positive judgements mislead people into thinking everything is okay and there is nothing to discuss. I was very interested in the comments, views and experiences that were shared on the topic of racism and privilege. I’m just not convinced that starting a dialogue with the thought (spoken or unspoken) that so-in-so is or is not a is going to contribute to an environment where open dialogue can take place.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for sharing your work!

- Sarah