Act despite fear.
Have the courage to step up and speak out- even when it feels uncomfortable.
In my interview on Brave New Girls podcast with Dr Robin DiAngelo I asked her how she defined courage in the light of her work on systemic racism:
“don't expect not to be afraid. If you wait until you're not afraid, you might get a little less afraid. It takes a long time. It takes a paradigm shift, right? It takes recognising a system rather than individual good and bad people that doesn't come overnight. It's a little bit like water dripping on a rock, you get it and then you slip back... It takes time to get to where you have more confidence.
But in the meantime, just feel the fear and do it anyway. It's okay if you're not articulate. It's okay if your heart is pounding, but you're in your integrity and you want to do it, for yourself, not for the other person... It doesn't have to be perfect, but you are slowly healing that part of you that has silenced you and pushed you into going along to get along.”
Courage, as Robin delineates, is not the absence of fear, but the ability to act in the face of it. Her insights, shared on the Brave New Girls podcast, challenge the conventional perception of bravery. Robin articulates that waiting for fearlessness before taking action is a futile endeavour. Instead, she suggests embracing the slow process of change, akin to water persistently shaping a stone, as a means to cultivate courage.
Her definition extends beyond individual acts of valour, encompassing a broader societal context. Courage involves recognising and challenging systemic structures rather than hastily judging individuals as simply good or bad. Robin's metaphor of water dripping on a rock illustrates the gradual yet impactful nature of such a journey. It implies that consistent efforts to confront fear can reshape our character and, by extension, influence the broader societal sphere.
In the podcast, Robin emphasises integrity and the courage to deviate from the norm, particularly highlighting the concept of white solidarity. This term denotes the often unspoken pact among white individuals to maintain a complicit silence on racial issues to avoid conflict or discomfort. Breaking this silence is a courageous act that may carry social risks but is essential for aligning actions with values, according to Robin.
She poses that courage does not demand the ability to be fluent or flawless; it's about expressing oneself despite the trepidation and potential inarticulateness. It's about the authenticity of acting in alignment with one's beliefs, even when it entails facing personal and societal discomfort.
Robin's perspective is especially salient in discussions of social justice and systemic racism. She acknowledges the inherent fear and uncertainty in challenging deep-seated societal norms but underscores the imperative to act regardless. It's about the commitment to integrity and the conscious alignment of one's actions with their moral compass, despite the potential for mistakes or discomfort.
Embracing Robin's concept of courage may require a fundamental shift in mindset for many, from focusing on individual actions to understanding systemic issues. It calls for patience, resilience, and a willingness to embrace discomfort. It's an acknowledgment that each small, courageous step is part of a more extensive journey toward not just personal growth but also societal betterment.
Robin’s remarks serve as a potent call to view courage as an ongoing practice rather than an innate characteristic. It's a practice of confronting fears, challenging the status quo, advocating against injustice, and doing so persistently over time. This practice doesn’t promise instant results or approval; it promises a path toward living authentically according to one's values.
In summary, courage, through Robin's lens, is an intricate balance of fear, integrity, systemic awareness, and a dedication to social transformation. It's about feeling the fear and proceeding regardless. This understanding of courage is vital in the realm of social justice, where speaking out against entrenched systems is both necessary and intimidating. Robin's interpretation of courage invites us to view it not just as episodic heroism, but as a long-term commitment to embodying equity for all, even amidst fear.
10 steps on cultivating courage to speak out against systemic racism:
Acknowledge Your Fear: Recognise that it's natural to feel fear when confronting systemic racism. Admitting fear is the first step towards overcoming it.
Understand the System: Educate yourself about systemic racism. Understand that it's not just about individual acts of racism but about structures that perpetuate inequality.
Start Small: Take small actions that align with your values. It can be as simple as reading literature on racial justice or engaging in conversations about race.
Feel the Fear and Act Anyway: Don’t wait for the fear to subside. Take action despite the discomfort, knowing that it’s a part of the process of change.
Embrace Imperfection: Accept that you won’t always say the right thing or be articulate. What matters is your commitment to doing what’s right.
Build Confidence Gradually: Like water shaping a stone, your confidence to speak out against racism will grow over time with consistent effort.
Challenge Complicity: Recognise moments of complicity in systemic racism, and have the courage to break the silence even if it means standing alone.
Align Actions with Values: Make sure your actions reflect your beliefs about justice and equality, not just in moments of advocacy but in everyday choices.
Commit to the Long Haul: Understand that change is a slow process and requires persistent action. Commit to continuous learning and advocacy.
Encourage Others: Share your journey of cultivating courage with others. Your example can inspire and empower more people to take a stand against systemic racism.
Courage in the context of fighting systemic racism is about consistently acting against injustice in spite of fear, embodying integrity, and committing to long-term systemic change.
Wear your courage:
PS. To celebrate your courage I have collaborated with Amulette London to create a beautiful Brave New Girl recycled silver or 9ct gold necklace “A Charm for Fortune & Fortitude”. Get yours HERE
PPS. If you would like support in growing your inner Brave New Girl for a better life, book in for a free chat and we can take it from there: BOOK A CHAT
