Cohousing-L Mailing List: Diversity

[Susan Green (susan.mx]

Since the first email on this thread a week ago, we have heard from many
white people. Some have written multiple times, even daily. One of the
characteristics of white supremacist behavior is that white people often
speak first and often. We don't notice how much space we take up in
meetings and conversations. I propose that we white cohousing participants
take a big step back and not write anything. I wanted to write earlier this
week because I could see the harm the emails were causing. I didn't want to
add to the pile-up of white voices. So here I am, a white person who is
writing to you although this is a different kind of message. Will all
the white people just stop? The emails from the people of color have
offered us profound insights into what it is like for them to be in
our community. I would like to hear more from them. I would like everyone
else to read and listen and instead of reacting, talk about the complex
feelings and confusion we have but not here on the list serve. There will
be opportunities to speak about racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion
but this list serve shouldn't be one of them. We have had ample evidence
that for now, doing so fosters confusion, resentment, misunderstanding, and
harm.

Susan Green
Aria Cohousing
Denver, CO