Without a doubt, you've either made or heard one of these statements or been asked one of these questions. The common thread for all the above statements and questions is that all are based on limited information and stereotypical generalizations about race. Unfortunately, it is these types of generalizations about race that lead to racial slurs or jokes being made, racist literature being distributed, and physical confrontations occurring between different racial groups. Given that one of the traditions at Notre Dame is that of providing a familial atmosphere for it's students, faculty, and staff, it is time that we all take an active stance to make sure that all racial groups on this campus feel included in the Notre Dame family. Healing and harmony between the races begins with you!

So you ask, why should I make a commitment to be an ally for racial harmony? When you become an ally for racial harmony, you have the opportunity to: gain greater self-awareness; gain greater awareness of others; develop new friendships; develop better interpersonal skills; become better able to challenge stereotypes and prejudices; promote more unity between racial groups; and become better equipped to live in a multicultural world. In other words, you have the opportunity to grow both emotionally and intellectually. Through this growth, you contribute to the development of a society where all races are valued and appreciated.

One step in building the bridge toward racial harmony and tearing down the walls of racism is that of interracial communication. While we all know that it is sometimes emotionally difficult and risky to speak candidly, openly, and honestly abut race, it is only through this type of dialogue that we are able to become more aware, sensitive, and knowledgeable about each other. Given that the topic of race can be a sensitive and emotional area, it's important to keep a few pointers in mind.

• Do use "I" statements.
• Do listen with respect.
• Do restate what you've heard about a person's experience.
• Do allow questions, no matter have trivial they may seem to you.
• Do encourage clarification and elaboration by asking for examples.
• Don't try to debate or downplay a person's experience.
• Don't blame a person for the sins of their racial group.

Now that you have some pointers for communicating about racial issues, here are some questions to ask others and yourself. With each question, fill in the blank with a racial group.

1. When you hear the term _____, what thoughts or images regarding their behaviors, attitudes, and lifestyles come to mind?
2. What do you admire or respect about _____?
3. What experiences have you had that impact your present feelings toward _____?
4. How have significant others in your life influenced your attitudes about _____?
5. If you haven't had much contact with _____, what prevents this from happening?
6. When you have a racial prejudicial thought or hear a racial prejudicial remark, how do you handle it?
7. What has been your experience with racism?
8. What will you do today to increase your racial awareness?

Now that you've made the commitment to become an ally for racial healing and harmony, here are some suggestions for increasing your racial awareness, sensitivity, and knowledge:

• Celebrate a Multicultural Holiday
• Visit an Ethnic Art Gallery or Museum
• Volunteer at a School or Agency with a Racially Diverse Population
• Attend a Church or Synagogue that has a Diverse Congregation
• Visit your Office of Multicultural Student Affairs
• Learn a Foreign Language
• Read a Book by an Author who is Racially Different from You
• Invite a Friend to Lunch Who Is Racially Different From You
• Take a Cultural Diversity Course
• Go to an Ethnic Restaurant
• Watch a Movie or Play with Racially Diverse Actresses/Actors
• Listen to Music by Artists Who Are Racially Different From You
• Join A Club Committed to Diversity Issues
• Have Chat Sessions Concerning Diversity Issues
• Take an Active Stance against Prejudice and Racism

Healing, harmony, and unity between racial groups occur as we interact more with, become more aware about, and become better educated about one another. It's a cause for celebration when we are willing to take risks regarding our multicultural growth by gaining more sensitivity, awareness, and knowledge about the history, values, experiences, and lifestyles of different racial groups. Challenge yourself to unlock your endless capacity for racial awareness. It's up to you to do your part in creating a society where there is greater understanding and awareness between different racial groups.

If you are interested in gaining more awareness about racial issues, the University Counseling Center offers outreach programs designed to increase multicultural awareness, such as the program, "Race Relations: What's Your View?" Call 631-7336 to arrange for a counselor to come to speak to your group. Also see our Multicultural Awareness web page.

This article was originally published in the Observer in February, 1999. The intent of these self-help articles is not to provide counseling but to provide information about a variety of mental health topics. To seek help with your individual concerns, please contact the University Counseling Center at 631-7336 to schedule an appointment.