How I am learning and unlearning
Race is a difficult thing to talk about. And I, like I imagine so many others, have in the past been quiet, for fear of saying the wrong thing, or simply not knowing what to say at all. Although I have German, Croatian, and Lebanese ancestors, I identify most often as a white Canadian female. I have always recognized racism, but I realize now that I could have been and will from here on out, take more action to practice anti-racism.
Growing up in a white Catholic community, we didn’t know many people who didn’t look like us. However, my parents raised us to have respect for everyone, no matter their ability, looks, age, etc. I have since carried that into how I operate not only as a human being, but also my business. I see there is room for everyone and want everyone to know they have a place and purpose. Although I feel that our Discover You community is inclusive, I recognize that it may not always appear that way from the outside. I always say that my classes are something you just have to experience and then you’ll know for yourself. But, if we aren’t made to feel accessible and welcome for all, some may not even take that initial step.
As a human wanting to be better, and as a business wanting to better serve my community, here are some of the actions I have taken in the last few weeks to educate myself, gain awareness, and a sense of understanding for those around me.
Meaningful conversations with family and friends. Having difficult conversations with the people closest to you is the best place to start. The conversations should be from a place of understanding and education rather than finger pointing and shaming. Talking with my white parents, my black boyfriend, and my diverse group of friends, has been a great experience. It has allowed me to gain perspective from so many different angles. As tough as it is, continue to have those conversations.
Watching documentaries and videos. There is so much history that I was completely unaware of. Just like the media, the history books sometimes leave out parts of the story. In order to fully understand all sides of the situation, I have made time to watch and learn.
Reading! I have ordered two new books, White Fragility, and The Skin We’re In, which will help me to better understand some of my own actions, whether intentional or not, and how to create new best practices. There have been a lot of really great informational posts and social media accounts circulating as well. When we consume a variety and diverse amount of media outlets and accounts, our perspectives shift too. It is a good thing to read books on topics you are unsure of and follow accounts of people who look different and have different life experiences. That is where the learning and understanding will happen.
New courses. I have recently taken Chrissy King’s Anti-Racism for Wellness Professionals webinar, watched another Zoom conversation led by Dr. Meghan Walker, and have a few more upcoming things on my radar. The more I can begin to learn and unlearn, the better I can be for everyone around me.
Donated my time. I have been able to donate my time to teach movement for a cause. There are so many amazing local groups that support black lives to donate to.
Reflecting on my business. I have known for a long time that I don’t think I reach a diverse group of clients. I recognize that I have also known this for a long enough time and have not taken much action on it. There is still much more learning to be done, but my hope is that Discover You can become even more representative of what Toronto looks like, people of all ages, sizes, cultures, and ethnicities, coming together to move their bodies and feel their best.
I welcome any and all conversations around this topic as I am no expert and learning alongside everyone else. My inspiration lately has been from one of my favourite quotes from Maya Angelou: “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better”. I will continue to do my part because everyone’s actions matter and play a part to instill change.
Yours in self-discovery,
Rachel