Hardware – intersectionality and critical reflection

So, in thinking about how to implement anti-bias, anti-racist, anti-oppressive approaches, we really have to start with looking at ourselves. So, we really have to get to understand our own biases, our own assumptions, and how our own socialization implicates or impacts the way that we interact with people.

And I think this is important because when we interact with others, and we also emphasize that we all have biases and prejudices, we stereotype, right? And we promote microaggressions in ways, so
whether intentionally, or unintentional ways of viewing others and making assumptions based on this and treating them in terms of your own advocacy, it’s important for us to advocate. It’s important for us not to think that, oh, I’m kind to everyone, I’m nice to everyone. I’m not being racist. It’s not enough just to not spread or promulgate these racist acts, we really have to be a part of dismantling it. We have to take action to promote liberation.

And I know that this might be hard for some educators to think, you know, how can I do this? Where do I start? But you can start again by critical reflection, by examining and going beyond bias. Anti-bias education is just the beginning. So, that critical reflection is just the beginning. To be anti-racist, it means taking action. It means trying to limit the barriers. It means providing support. So, it’s just not enough to look inside and say, I’m not doing this, but we have to take action as a part of anti-bias, anti-racism education.