Hi Karyn, Perhaps you've already received plenty of responses to your email to the listserv, but I wanted to take some time to reach out and send you some contextual resources. While I understand your concern about prejudice in all directions, it's important to remember the ways racism systemically affects people of color even when individuals aren't overtly being racist (for example name calling or deliberate firing because of race). You mention colorblindness, which is a wonderful notion, but actually contributes to the larger problem. Rather than ignore people's differences, if we acknowledge and accept them, we can move forward from our racist past and present more readily. Here's an article about why colorblindness is actually very hurtful <https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2015/09/color-blindness-is-counterproductive/405037/> to people of color. You obviously care a lot about your community and that's wonderful, something we all value as librarians. One way we can continue caring about one another is laying the foundation and opening up dialogue, regardless of whether our community "needs" it. More than likely, there are things to be discussed in your community, even if it's a preemptive conversation and there are no overt racist actions. As a nation, things are obviously very tense right now and the library provides a unique avenue for us to hold community forums and provide a space for conversation and community support. As both a librarian and a historian, it feels important here to note that racism is not just about overt actions. White supremacy has affected loans, education, policing, and mass incarceration. If you have any questions about systemic racism, the Center for Racial Justice put together a very helpful video series <https://www.raceforward.org/videos/systemic-racism> that might answer some of your questions. Here are some more resources for you: Teaching for Tolerance published a panel article for white people about how we can actively be anti-racist <https://www.tolerance.org/professional-development/white-antiracism-living-the-legacy>. As we know as stakeholders in knowledge, continuing education is always good! Here's an interesting take from two psychologists who explain how racism has changed <https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/culturally-speaking/201608/what-well-intentioned-white-people-can-do-about-racism> and what white people can do with other white people to ensure we have the best society for everyone. Sometimes this involves building upon foundation already laid. What have we got to lose by educating ourselves and continually striving for a society that works for everyone? I've sent this to the listserv in case others could benefit from these resources, but please feel free to contact me off list if you have any other questions. I understand the instinct to be protective of our communities and defensive in light of heavy topics, especially when things are tense, but please take the time to review some of these resources. As we know- knowledge is always power. With gratitude, Meghan McGowan On Sun, Aug 20, 2017 at 2:16 PM, Karyn Ruley <kruley@uproc.lib.mi.us> wrote:
"As a reminder, YALSA has resources to help you support youth, especially those who may be feeling the brunt of current events. In addition, YALSA has resources to help you promote empathy and understanding among teens, especially those in predominantly white communities who need to build global citizenship skills to be successful adults in the 21st century."
I find it incredibly offensive that it is assumed that those in "predominantly white communities" would "especially" need more help in building "global citizenship skills". While there are, and always will be, problems with prejudice in this world, many problems these days are made up, overblown, or attributed only to those with light colored skin. Racism and prejudice are ugly but go BOTH ways, or ALL ways. And it is JUST as ugly to assume someone has these prejudices. The blame needs to stop, the guilt needs to stop, and we need to stop dividing ourselves by making things more of an issue than they are. We will never achieve colorblindness when we keep bringing up color.
If this is an ACTUAL issue in your particular community, then by all means, have a discussion. But that is an individual community issue, not something all libraries need to be involved in, if libraries need to be involved in them at all. I do not need organizations like YALSA to teach me how to think. I am becoming increasingly frustrated with this and other library organizations like the ALA and their obvious left leaning political agendas.
Karyn Ruley
Crawford County Library 201 Plum St. Grayling, MI 49738 Phone: 989-348-9214 Fax: 989-348-9294
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