2020 Code of Conduct for Community Racial Harmony

A moment spent in hatred of others is a moment of love and happiness lost forever.

 Most dictionary definitions of racism lack moral content.  For our purposes, perhaps a working definition of racism is as the superior belief by some, that other groups of people are inferior corresponding to physical appearance or ethnicity, and thus are treated with prejudice or discrimination and less deserving of equality, respect, dignity, and basic human rights.

Racism is a particularly divisive and destructive form of human behaviour.  It comes with its own karma.  Karma is often reflected in the kind of person one becomes, which in this case is certainly not conducive to good mental and physical health.    It can be systemic, or individual.   Systemic can be seen as the causes, conditions and mimetic structures that enable racist behaviours and create victimization. The literature is endless. The question is finding practical simple approaches to build racial harmony, and respond to racism in our daily lives.  This may involve such as:

• Building racial harmony. The acceptance of social norms, values and expectations.  Living such values and practices.  The principle of harmony within the self and harmony between the self and others.
• Confronting racism. Being aware of wrongdoing or misbehaviours, and taking action, both as an individual and as a community. Being listened to, taken seriously and being supported.  Silence is complicity.

Building racial harmony

Racial harmony is not to be taken for granted and requires a constant response of vigilance and practice.  The need for a healthy meta approach around racial groups is important. This means communities of peace, a sense of everyone feeling welcome, feeling safe, job opportunities, equal access to health care and education.   This means clear behavioural expectations from everyone.  Racial harmony begins within the self, before it can be possible between the self and others.

Building Racial harmony within.  This is about building racial harmony in the self.

• Initially, the need is for all persons know themselves, and to be aware and attentive to the mimetic structures around them that influence and condition their values, beliefs and behaviours. This is the first step to making free and unconditioned choices that reflect compassion and care.   We must all reflect on what influences our beliefs and actions regarding people of color.
• Resolve to live the basic peace and ethical practices regarding racial harmony.
• Resolve to be an honest and compassionate person, be grateful for the blessings you have, and wish them for others.
• Commit to the ethics and values of racial awareness, non violence, respect and gratitude.

Building Racial harmony between.  This is about building racial harmony in the community and between others:

• The number one expectation for building racial harmony is the use of non violent communication. (NVC)
• Be aware of the racial climate in such as the workplaces or community life and resolve to contribute to a good and harmonious racial climate.
• Talk to the next generation about racism, about what is harmful and that they have good choices when they live with or encounter racial diversity.
• This is to assert and practice, racial inclusiveness, racial dialogue, equality and respect in your life, workplace and the community social life.
• Everyone can set an example of leadership in racial harmony.

Confronting Racism.

In the self and others, beware “the sword of righteousness” that can lead to rage and violence.  We need both consensus and resolve in confronting racism.

Racist Indicators:  We all know what is wrong and harmful.  Perhaps an approach of indicators and responses is helpful in early stages of social awareness and change.

Individual behavioural indicators. Some of the most harmful indicators are:

• The use of language that is disrespectful or the use of racial slurs.
• Behaviour that involves outright violence, intimidation, discrimination, or reprisals.
• Behaviour that reflects inequality, preferential treatment, unfair advantage, lack of privilege enjoyed by others
• Social isolation, either in the workplace or community, a general a lack of insider access or participation to what is going on, that involves or concerns them.
• The misuse of power. Racism means prejudice with power, either in work relationships, or from the police or authorities.

Systemic or institutional indicators.

• The existence of institutional policies or rules or norms opportunities, that are exclusionary, or racist, whether intentional or not.
• The existence of an inter-racial climate or atmosphere of racial tension or animosity.
• The existence of toxic or violent mimetic structures, (mimicking values and beliefs to survive or belong), and which are passed from generation to generation.

Indicators in disadvantaged groups or victims.

• The existence of conditions of poverty, economic, health care, or educational disadvantage within racial groups.
• The existence of adverse effects on well being and mental health, conditions of fear and trauma, in racial groups.

Responding to Racism 

• You have a responsibility to act whether you are a victim or witness.
• See something. Feel something.  Say something.  Do something.  Consider your safety.  Talk to someone you trust.
• Recall the “facing wrongdoing” practices, the disclosure and reprisal protection measures.
• If you elect to seek social change, recall the practices of non violence activism.
• In terms of toxic mimetic structures, advocate awareness, the first step to finding ways to break cycles of violence.

Community Principles for Racial Harmony

You have a duty to contribute to both confronting racism and building racial harmony in the community.  The following principles may be useful.

• We are a community that accepts that our moral worth is how we treat the most disadvantaged, vulnerable, suffering and marginalized amongst us. This includes minorities, and the racial and ethnic groups we have.
• We are a community that will not accept racist behaviour, and have clear expectations and laws against racism.
• We are a community that actively supports and celebrates racial diversity and equality.
• We are a community that actively values dignity for all, that enables self respect, and where all can live well in the company of others.

Code of conduct for Racial Harmony

Four Directions

1. Racism is not acceptable!
2. See something, say something!
3. Practice Non violent communication!!
4. Dignity, equality and respect for all!

 

Annex.  The racial climate

The racial climate is the reality of the harmony, blessing, or animosity, or violence that exists in the self in their lives, workplaces and community. Everyone must be sensitive to the racial climate for that defines expectations, reality and behaviours.  It is not a goal but a response to everyday life and a resolve to wake up every day and not refuse to do what one can do.

Similar to the ethics climate is can be defined in terms of language space and violence.  Language that is non violent, but that the words racial harmony and racism are in common usage especially by leaders and when concerns are expressed, they are taken seriously and listened to.  Space is the natural creation of making immediate room to discuss such matters in a respectful manner, that practices NVC, and has a bias and shared intention to solve the issues with respect, compassion, justice and care for each other.

 

Reference.  Paul Maillet Center for Ethics and Peace Services.  Basic Peace Practices Guide