Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: Diversity in Cohousing

[Crystal Farmer (crystalbyrdfarmer]

Responding to Sharon's comments about addressing the comments. Zev did not
acknowledge the harm done by stereotyping Black people (via another person)
and then further caused harm by calling a Black person "articulate," which
is commonly used to describe Black people who don't fit the stereotype of a
person using the language he used already! I know it's hard to be aware of
these types of trigger words, but it is what it is and it was hurtful.

I think it's valid to make assumptions. It's harmful to make assumptions
based on ignorance, which is what happens with racial minorities. It causes
harm and it needs to be pointed out. Our response to the pointing out can
also cause harm even with the best of intentions. This requires work on
multiple levels.

I appreciate those engaging in the conversation. Another plug for my
upcoming webinar which is conveniently about what's happening here:
https://www.ic.org/event/addressing-microaggressions/.


> > On Feb 21, 2023, at 7:58 AM, Abe Ross <cohoyote [at] gmail.com> wrote:
> >
> > Why do you feel it necessary to note (a) his colour (b) his being
> articulate (c) the. colour of the person to whom he is married? Would you
> have done that if he were not  person of colour?
>
> Since Zev was being accused of assuming that all Black people would use
> the language this man used, it is most appropriate to say that this man was
> other than what his accusers were assuming him to be assuming about him.
>
> It?s important to address comments in context. In this context, Zev was
> responding to questions about those very characteristics. The only way to
> address them is to address them.
>
> If the subject is color, you have to discuss color.
>
> Sharon
> ----
> Sharon Villines
> Takoma Village Cohousing, Washington DC
> http://www.takomavillage.org
>
> --
Pronouns: she/her

Websites:
www.crystalbyrdfarmer.com
www.bigsisterteams.com

Schedule a Meeting:
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Buy "The Token: Common Sense Ideas for Increasing Diversity in Your
Organization" wherever you buy books or online
<https://newsociety.com/books/t/the-token?aff=28>