Racism Discussion - are you looking for an explanation or an acceptable alternative?

Reeves Point of View: Racism discussion - are you looking for an explanation for information or acceptable alternative to your conclusion?

Discussions about racism is tough. It’s supposed to be tough. There are so many things that need to be addressed. Some of the topic areas are uncomfortable. Most topic areas are complicated. However, in order for us to have an understanding of racism, the conversations must be had.

However, in the interest of discussion, you have answer the fundamental question:

Are you looking for an explanation for information or an acceptable alternative to your conclusion?

Now, this may seem the same but here is the different.

An explanation for information is designed to provide insight and knowledge. You are coming from a place of ‘lack of knowledge’ and you genuinely want to be informed. In this space, you have done your preliminary research. You had listened to informed speakers. You have read insightful materials. In this place, you have some knowledge but you are looking for a more comprehensive understand.

An acceptable alternative to your conclusion is a little different. From this place, you are not looking to be informed. You are looking to be convinced. You may or may not be coming from an informed place. From this place, you have drawn your own conclusions and are looking for someone to give you an alternative acceptable explanation that changes your opinion. In this place, you are not accepting the perspective of the other person as much as acknowledging their position. In this place, you have come to your own conclusion and you are challenging someone to explain and demonstrate why that conclusion is wrong.

Discussions can be difficult but knowing the place you come from when having them will often dictate the direction of the conversation.

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