Description

#001 - In this introductory episode, hosts Randy Bonser and Mel Turner talk about the difficulties and joys of cross-racial relationships. They give a history of how they got together over coffee to talk about life, faith, and racial reconciliation.

Why is starting on a “micro” level with friendships important to beginning a journey of empathy and achieving “macro” level anti-racist results? The most important aspects to becoming an "ally" are “time, empathy, and relationships.” But that is a process: empathy requires relationship, and relationships require time and intention.

Mel discusses why African Americans are often “tired” when discussing issues of race because white folks don't do their homework first.

“Seven Tips for Healthy Cross-Racial Relationships” explains these important relationship gems:

1. Recognize you will step on landmines when talking about racial subjects
2. Forgive yourself when you step on landmines
3. Don’t let your emotion override your intention (guard against defensiveness)
4. Do you homework
5. Learn to listen. Then listen.
6. Do not judge someone’s else’s experience — that is the journey of empathy
7. When you fall, pick yourself up and be intentional in strengthening relationships

If you'd like to get the links and show notes for this episode, go to: 

https://insensitivespeech.com/episodes/

Thanks for listening!