Changing Our Reactions When We Encounter Racism in Daily Life

by Rosy Betz-Zall

One workshop at the Fall Retreat focused on intervening or interrupting a conflict that possibly included racist speech, actions, or bullying. When we take action we might inspire others to take action as well.

When stepping in to deescalate a conflict, you want to model nonviolence by intention, word, and action. The goal of each of these interventions is to allow the both people to remain safe especially the one with the least power.  The best time to try a deescalating is before the conflict gets too heated.   A person intervening needs to:
1. Stay centered. – We are working to notice when we are emotionally off balance and use a quick method (e.g. deep breath) to get back into our rational brain, i.e. we are short circuiting our fight or flight reaction by quickly getting back into a calm state. 
2. Keep focused on listening and loving.  
3. Think of and use different ways to distract those in conflict. Interrupting can make use of some simple strategies: 

• Intervenor asks for help such as: What time is it? Can I have a cigarette? Do you know where a bathroom is?  Can you help me lead this song?   
•  Intervenor offers a gift such as: Want a cookie? Would you like some water?  You look tired, do you want to sit down on my chair?  
•  Intervenor simply interpositions themself  by wandering between the people in conflict – if they aren’t very close to each other.  When moving in between people body language and intent is extremely important. It is important to be open and neutral-not judgmental, and flexible in your interaction.