The Race Conversation: An Essential Guide to Creating Life-Changing Dialogue

The construct of race is an integral part of Western society's DNA, and to a large extent, is what makes it tick. If we are to address the social injustice of racism, we need to have the race conversation. Focussing specifically on the non-verbal communication of race, both as a means of social control and as an essential part of navigating oppressive patterns, this guide supports black, white and mixed heritage people to emerge from the tight grip of race discomfort to a traumainformed, neurophysiological approach to dialogue that emphasises resourcing, body awareness, mindfulness and healing. Is it possible not to be confused about race? Is it possible to respond authentically to the hurt and discomfort of racism? The construct of race is an integral part of Western society's DNA and if we are to address the social injustice of racism, we need to have the race conversation. Yet all too often, attempts at such a dialogue are met with silence, denial, anger or hate. The Race Conversation explores how the damage and distress caused by racism lives not just in our minds, but principally in the body. As well as helping us to develop a cognitive understanding by exploring the history and development of the race construct, the book focuses specifically on the non-verbal communication of race, both as a means of social control and as an essential part of navigating oppressive patterns. This guide supports black, white and mixed heritage people to emerge from the tight grip of race discomfort to a trauma-informed, neurophysiological approach that emphasises resourcing, body awareness, mindfulness and healing.