How to Stop Racial Tension

Racial tension flairs up when differences between peoples’ culture and race are emphasized and others are not accepting of those differences. Tension can build up especially when historically individuals have been taught not to be accepting or to be critical of races that are different from their own.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. In order to stop racial tension, rules, policies, and procedures must be formed that enforces respect of all individuals no matter what their race, color or culture may be.
2. Diversity training must be a required course for individuals to take in order to understand how to accept another persons differences.
3. Exercises or activities can be done in order to emphasize what all people have in common. A very effective exercise is one which is discussed in the book “Freedom Writers” by Erin Gruwell and via the Freedom Writers Institute. This exercise must be done with a diverse group of people.
4. Consequences must be established for those who break the policies and procedures and do not respect individuals who are different from them.
5. The following are movies that should be required for the groups to watch: “Code Unknown, written and directed by Michael Haneke, “Crash”, ”Freedomland” based on a novel by Richard Price, and “FreedomWriters”. Reviewing these movies should provide insight and revelation with regard to racial tension.

Tips & Warnings

• Remain open minded and non judgmental while conducting exercises, showing movies, and conducting diversity training.
• Allow experts in social matters or certified counselors to assist you with providing the training and conducting the exercises.