Some questions to ponder

Questions to Ponder

Some questions to ponder. . .

· Can the class fragmentation in communities of color be addressed and mediated when trying to build antiracist coalitions?

· How do antiracism groups better incorporate and include an anti-oppression analysis that actively looks at and weighs other forms of social oppression and their impact on antiracism work?

· How do antiracism groups utilize a specific antiracism analysis without becoming hostage to it, or using it in ways that are destructive?

· Is our tendency to fall into dichotomous (“us” versus “them”) thinking hindering our ability to compromise and build coalitions/collaborations with a long-term vision, mission, and strategy? What will it take to build coalitions that successfully address root causes of racism instead of merely addressing the symptoms?

· What do new and seasoned antiracists need to keep doing the work and to do it more effectively?

· What does the post-9/11, neo-conservative climate mean for antiracism and other social justice initiatives?

· How can antiracists better share lessons, strategies and information with one another? Are we reluctant to share information and if so, why?

· Can an antiracist analysis be augmented beyond the black white paradigm in a way that also takes in related, intersecting oppressions?

· Can today’s efforts stay focused on the work that lies ahead while also regularly acknowledging and celebrating the work and passion people give to the struggle for racial justice?

· Lastly, how can antiracists, at all stages of the journey and at all levels of understanding learn to better work together and across difference so a truly multicultural, multi-generational movement of change can occur?

Excerpted from On the Ground: Struggles and Lessons for Antiracism Work, co-authored by Mark Patrick George, Shirley Strong and Sally Leiderman. This publication may soon be available for distribution.

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