In the wake of the racial justice uprisings of 2020, organizations have shown heightened interest in anti-racism workshops. However, many of the methods being utilized are not novel. Aruna, a schoolteacher, shared her frustration regarding a mandatory racism workshop at her school. In this workshop, teachers were required to read a popular book on racism and discuss it in small groups, prompting emotional sharing about past racist experiences. Although dialogue is often viewed as the go-to strategy for resolving conflicts, relying solely on discussions about diversity and racism may not lead to significant change. The prevailing belief that more knowledge is the solution to racism has led to an increased focus on education about racism, as seen in workplace diversity training programs.
These workshops typically emphasize dialogue, therapy, and education, all under the umbrella of the "Let's Talk" approach. While these strategies are common in efforts toward diversity and equity, they sometimes overlook the necessity of implementing tangible changes in organizational practices. Despite the widespread use of diversity workshops, there is skepticism surrounding their effectiveness in bringing about lasting change in beliefs, practices, or workplace equity.
Critics argue that emotional discussions on racism can lead to heightened tensions and conflicts, especially for non-white participants, and may not necessarily foster genuine change. This has led to some individuals, particularly people of color, disengaging from anti-racism workshops due to the emotional toll and lack of tangible outcomes. Amidst resistance to anti-racism initiatives at various levels, the efficacy of dialogue-based approaches has come under scrutiny.
Reflecting on past failures, it becomes evident that a reevaluation of current approaches is necessary to better support anti-racism, diversity, and equity efforts. While the importance of ongoing discussions about racism remains undeniable, finding ways to move beyond dialogue to enact meaningful change is crucial for addressing systemic issues effectively.