White Perspectives on Racism in FIRST

[smurfgirl]

For all of the white people commenting that you haven't observed racism in FIRST, I invite you to question why that is. Is it because it doesn't exist widely, or at all? Or could it be that we have an observer bias as white people, because whatever racism that does exist isn't directed toward us?

The analogy for me is how I hear repeatedly again from men that while they may agree that sexism in STEM still exists on a greater scale, it doesn't exist "here" (wherever here may be). Sure, they might not see it because it isn't happening directly to them, but I see it because it happens to me.

White people can't be an authority on whether/how much racism there is in FIRST. We can educate ourselves to become more aware of the existing problem, and we can serve as partners in overcoming the problem.

[gblake]

Originally Posted by smurfgirl

For all of the white people commenting that you haven't observed racism in FIRST, I invite you to question why that is. Is it because it doesn't exist widely, or at all? Or could it be that we have an observer bias as white people, because whatever racism that does exist isn't directed toward us?

The analogy for me is how I hear repeatedly again from men that while they may agree that sexism in STEM still exists on a greater scale, it doesn't exist "here" (wherever here may be). Sure, they might not see it because it isn't happening directly to them, but I see it because it happens to me.

White people can't be an authority on whether/how much racism there is in FIRST. We can educate ourselves to become more aware of the existing problem, and we can serve as partners in overcoming the problem.

Or ...
Our experiences and conclusions might match those of "PoC" Koko Ed (found here).

Would you write your message in reply to his post?

Is it OK to read what Koko Ed wrote, and then be annoyed by admonitions about assumed insensitivity, or other assumed failings?

Blake

[smurfgirl]

Originally Posted by gblake

Or ...
Our experiences and conclusions might match those of "PoC" Koko Ed (found here).

Would you write your message in reply to his post?

Is it OK to read what Koko Ed wrote, and then be annoyed by admonitions about assumed insensitivity, or other assumed failings?

Blake

I'm glad to hear that Ed has had such good experiences in FIRST. I don't think his post changes my point - I can't accurately say whether or not racism in FIRST is widespread, or exists at all. I am not in a position to judge that.

[Madison]

Originally Posted by gblake

Or ...
Our experiences and conclusions might match those of "PoC" Koko Ed (found here).

Would you write your message in reply to his post?

Is it OK to read what Koko Ed wrote, and then be annoyed by admonitions about assumed insensitivity, or other assumed failings?

Blake

It doesn't matter what your experience or opinions on this matter are. The thread EXPLICITLY asks for the experiences of people of color.

The test for whether or not you should post in the thread is very straightforward. It goes like this -- "Am I a person of color?"

[Jardanium]

Our team is centered in a diverse, urban school, and as a result, the representation on our team has been consistently diverse since it's origin. We aim to promote inclusivity to people of any kind for our team, and look to do the same with the teams we mentor at other high schools in Minneapolis.

I personally feel that the whole idea of "Changing the face of STEM" should not only focus on gaining female involvement, but also focus on people of differing cultural backgrounds, economic classes, sexual orientation, etc.

FIRST is a life-changing program, and trying to do what we can to include anyone and everyone is a step in the right direction.

However, it is just as important to welcome diverse groups as well. I recall some pretty nasty comments said to one of the teams we mentor at a regional last year, and it's that kind of stuff that turns people away from involvement in FIRST and STEM.

Diversity in FIRST is a mission we must all step up to the plate and take initiative on. Welcoming and encouraging diversity on the regional, national and international level is a step in the right direction.

[Taylor]

Originally Posted by Madison

It doesn't matter what your experience or opinions on this matter are. The thread EXPLICITLY asks for the experiences of people of color.

The test for whether or not you should post in the thread is very straightforward. It goes like this -- "Am I a person of color?"

Chief Delphi has a long history of people proclaiming expertise in areas in which they have little to no experience. Why should this be any different?

[gblake]

Originally Posted by smurfgirl

I'm glad to hear that Ed has had such good experiences in FIRST. I don't think his post changes my point - I can't accurately say whether or not racism in FIRST is widespread, or exists at all. I am not in a position to judge that.

I accept your self-assessment; but... What you wrote was more about "white people" than it was about yourself.

My point is that no one is in a position to to pre-judge what any other individual knows or doesn't know about racism within FIRST, simply because you know the color of their skin. Skin color is neither a necessary nor sufficient criterion.

Originally Posted by Madison

It doesn't matter what your experience or opinions on this matter are. The thread EXPLICITLY asks for the experiences of people of color.

The test for whether or not you should post in the thread is very straightforward. It goes like this -- "Am I a person of color?"

Madison - See my reply to Smurfgirl - I wasn't focusing on whether a person should or shouldn't put a message into the other thread, I was attempting to disagree with her about a different subject.

Blake

[JesseK]

I haven't seen outright racism, but I have seen socioeconomic disparities cause bias in how teams approach match discussions. Over the years I've learned to consciously be more inclusive, treating the underestimated teams like how I've learned to interact with introverts - sometimes with amazing results.

Originally Posted by Madison

The thread EXPLICITLY asks for the experiences of people of color.

To be fair, somewhat, the OP says "POC" - which in many worlds means Point of Contact. I had to double-read it to interpret and understand what specifically was being asked.