Episode 77
Sandra McKechnie is a singer turned cultural awareness and sensitive coach. She joins me in this episode for a frank discussion on facing and healing the shame of bias.
She shares her perspective on the virtue of humanity.
In her book, Braving The Wilderness, Brene Brown says, “This ability to opt out of suffering and injustice or pretend everything is okay is the core of privilege.”
Sandra covers many aspects of bias.
“We are recipients of multi-generational, intergenerational implicit bias.”
“I know that we're going to feel things and I want to acknowledge people feelings of shame. But there's also this wonderful antidote when we know the truth. It does give us freedom and freedom has an amazing way of pushing shame out the window.”
“…you have the descendants that came through the time warp. People that have some dissonance that are feeling “Oh my gosh, I can't believe that great grand somebody had something to do with putting human beings up on trees and looking up at them and grimacing and drinking beer and bringing a sandwich to these lynchings,” and it's difficult.
People… are sitting there horrified in the 21st century that they're great-great-somebody [did this] as though we had everything to do with this right?
And it's hard and people come in and they feel again.
They feel shame, … and you have to acknowledge those feelings for a minute.
But then you know I'll take people aside or someone might call me, and I said it's OK, you weren't there.
Together we can make a conscious, intentional effort to pass the right things on to our children and grandchildren.”
Sandra McKechnie began entertaining audiences over 25 years ago as a dynamic, soul-inspiring songstress, lyricist, and producer. Her belief in the virtue of humanity is what led her to incorporate Double Consciousness Sandra’s compassionate nature is evident in her role as a Primary Counsellor, working for the Salvation Army, assisting those with Developmental Disabilities. She can be found in the community at any time assisting one of her clients. into her creative portfolio, further elevating the spirit of listeners through her public speaking.
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