Retreating From the Center of Things

“To incorporate the sense of oneself as part of a complex web of mutual dependence is to become more humble. At the same time, this humility enhances one’s ability to form bonds with others. In short, retreating from the center of things – both in reality and in one’s self-conception – is inseparable from forging connections that expand the boundaries of one’s self.” –Sarah Buss

In today’s episode I thread together what we’ve heard and learned from Jayne and Renee, along with some things I’ve learned from books on my bookshelf, and distill that into a few key ways to think and behave with a focus on inclusion, building trust, leaving space for other’s agency, and reducing harm.

I focus on how to move from humility and decentering ourselves, which Jayne and Renee advocate for, to action. I draw on ideas from Inclusion Uncomplicated, by Nika White; DEI Deconstructed, by Lily Zheng; White Feminism, by Koa Beck; and Radical Humility, a collection of essays edited by Rebekah Modrak and Jame Vander Broek. 

Additional resources

Rebekah Modrak's examination of Shinola -- how one big-name US brand co-opted the community of Detroit and continued its historical racialized representations of Blacks in the united States: Rethink Shinola.

Other episodes you might enjoy

Episode 47: White Women's Work: An Invitation, with Jayne Sommers

Episode 48: From Climate Crisis to AntiRacism

Episode 50: White Women's Nonsense, with Renee Wells

Episode 26: In Community: Interracial Feminist Co-Mentoring

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I also coach women leaders (individually and in groups) and facilitate campus workshops. Learn more at the website.

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