What does it mean to feel empowered to deal with racism? This book introduces you to three tools for these situations. The Trust Equation highlights essential considerations for developing a working relationship with someone. Motivational Interviewing uses Client Centered therapy techniques to avoid arguing or being unknowingly insulting or controlling and help someone find their personal reason to change. Mindfulness helps us become more aware of our feelings and reactions to others, improve empathy, and avoid letting our own feelings and biases rule us.
Facing up to someone on an individual level requires a different type of empowerment than political action and protest. The COVID-19 pandemic offers a new metaphor to help teach what our Civil Rights icons exemplified. They would not have avoided racist people (social distancing) or "called them out" (forcing a defensive reaction). They would make an effort to reduce hostility and engage the other person in a constructive conversation in order to lessen their use of PPE and allow time for an ERACISM infection to take hold. They understood the pathophysiology of racism and supported change rather than demanding it.
Empowerment comes from having confidence to talk without arguing or giving in, and counter dehumanization by showing human traits of integrity, self-awareness, honesty, courage, sincerity, and commitment. The goal is not to fight or retaliate out of anger, but to show our humanity by making a difficult interaction positive. We show empathy by putting ourselves in the other person's shoes and follow guidelines of motivational interviewing
The only good excuse to author a short book about ending racism is the belief that one can contribute a fresh approach.