White Dude Dissolving

Being critically aware of my whiteness is not a new thing for me. Keeping this 'reality' active, recognizing this construction and its work on my entire frame of reference is something that I try to maintain. I often fail. It does take a certain amount of effort when it is so much easier to follow the path of least resistance and move through life without 'worry'. In a culture of growing diversity it is all too easy to grow fearful and separatist; all too easy to remain ignorant and cling to safe spaces (and faces). I do try to read a variety of perspectives in an effort to overcome my whiteness and be more reflective about my footsteps in the social and political world. I haven't done a very good job of surrounding myself with the kinds of friends that would assist me in improving my awareness. Most of my friends are white dudes. 

Most of my real-life experiences with other-than-white-people has been as a public middle school teacher. Over the past 20 years (15 in my current district) my classroom has become less and less white and more and more colorful, much more culturally diverse. Its more than just looking out on a diversity of faces, but interacting with and becoming a part of a diverse community of learners where I learn and grow as much as my students.

Dissolving, it seems to me, is about becoming-with. Dissolving is an effort to resist standing apart by diving into the solvent with the desire to lose dividing distinctions and gain a more integrated perspective that honors and welcomes all. 

​I could say more.

What are your thoughts on "Dissolving"?