White Resistance to Latino Leaders OALA Conference 2013 John Lenssen Carlos Perez

Parallels with President Obama Not qualified Not an American Not a Christian “You are a liar!”

President Obama was accused of racializing (racism) in response to Trayvon Martin’s killing: What President Obama actually said: “When I think about this boy, I think about my own kids, and I think every parent in America should be able to understand why it is absolutely imperative that we investigate every aspect of this, and that everybody pulls together.”

In small groups, share some stories and examples of white resistance to Latino Leaders.

White resistance shows up in many forms including: Subtle –not that experienced –not inclusive –“that’s not the way we do things here” –won’t be here long –leading in a way that is uncomfortable for staff –too direct or too indirect –too emotional or not emotional enough –personal life highly scrutinized Overt –affirmative action hire –does not respect the experienced white staff –focuses too much on Latino and bilingual students –reverse racist –not smart enough or skilled enough –pushing own agenda –not focused on preparing students for the white world –biased

Racial Microaggressions They are brief, everyday exchanges that send denigrating messages to people of color because they belong to a racial minority group. They involve a pattern of being overlooked, under-respected, and de-valued because of one’s race. They are often unconsciously delivered in the form of subtle snubs or dismissive looks, gestures, and tones. These exchanges are so pervasive and automatic in daily conversations and interactions that they are often dismissed and glossed over as being innocent and innocuous.

Microaggressions Microassault (often expressed in private situations) Microinsult (How did you get this job?) Microinvalidation (I don’t see color.)

White Consciousness (from Singleton and Linton, Courageous Conversations About Race)  Color blindness  Universal perspective  Individualism (often accompanied by an unexamined belief in meritocracy)  Avoidance  Decontextualization

Ways to Respond Direct - name it Offer another perspective, a counter story Notice the impact Ask a question Follow up conversation Recommend deeper exploration Phone a friend Other responses? Silence is not an option!

Skills and Strategies to Respond (Interrupt) In small groups, select one statement and create a scenario for it. (You may come up with a different statement.) Develop some responses, considering the following roles: –as the Latino Leader –as a Person of Color –as a White Ally

Thank you. John Lenssen Carlos Perez