IN THE MIRROR | Part Two
- John-Michael Scurio
- Jun 21
- 5 min read
Humans are creatures of habit, and our comfort zones provide us with a sense of security. Stepping outside these familiar boundaries can be intimidating, leading to fear of the unknown and resistance to change.
But change is an inevitable part of life, and my blog series IN THE MIRROR presents us all with different opportunities for personal, introspective growth.
Our beliefs about ourselves and our abilities can influence our willingness to embrace change. We all get stuck in thinking patters and ways of thinking and a negative self-perception might lead us to doubt our capacity for success.
Societal expectations, cultural norms, family and peer influence can create pressures to conform, making it difficult to pursue personal aspirations.
IN THE MIRROR brings valuable resources to YOU. Each of these resources are outlined in the following list. In Part One, I covered the first two sections (IN) and now in this posting I will provide information in the section of the list (THE.) Be sure to check back for more information in the subsequent sections that follow (MIR) and (ROR.)
I - Involve
N - Notice
T - Think
H - Hear
E - Engage
M - Move
I - Inspire
R - Reflect
R - Read
O - Observe
R - Reevaluate
T - Think
Thinking is a crucial piece of this work. Plan to take time every day to think about that new subject you read about yesterday or that new Facebook page you discovered about Asian Americans. Think about what you’re learning and begin to internally challenge yourself to harness those feelings and emotions into new actions in new direction.
Challenge Your Comfort Zones: Seek out experiences that take you out of your comfort zones and make you think. You want to find those that expose you to different cultures, traditions, and worldviews. Traveling, attending cultural events, or participating in community service can help expand your horizons.
Journal Your Thoughts: Keep a journal to document your daily thoughts. Write down what you've learned, your emotional responses, and any questions that arise during your research. Challenge yourself to think critically about the root causes of societal issues and potential solutions.
Translate Thoughts into Actions: Consider how your newfound knowledge and perspective can translate into meaningful actions. It could involve supporting DEI-oriented organizations, advocating for policy changes, or promoting inclusive practices within your workplace or community.
H - Hear
The following podcasts cover a wide range of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) topics and feature insightful discussions, expert guests, and thought-provoking insights. They can serve as valuable resources for you to deepen your understanding of DEI matters and subject that may be unfamiliar to you.
All My Relations, hosted by Matika Wilbur (Swinomish and Tulalip) and Adrienne Keene (Cherokee Nation) this podcast “explores indigeneity in all its complexity.” Episodes focus on issues such as DNA identity, appropriation, feminism, food sovereignty, gender, sexuality, and more while “keeping it real, playing games, laughing a lot, and even crying sometimes."
The Diversity Gap Hosted by Bethaney Wilkinson, "The Diversity Gap" addresses diversity, equity, and inclusion challenges in various sectors. It features conversations with experts, leaders, and change-makers, offering actionable insights for building more inclusive environments.
Teaching To Thrive Podcast hosts Bettina Love & Chelsey Culley-Love share ideas that strengthen the everyday lives of Black and Brown students within our schools and communities. Each episode is aimed at empowering our knowledge for collective liberation.
Seeing White Hosted by John Biewen, this podcast is part of the "Scene on Radio" series. It examines the concept of whiteness and its historical and contemporary implications in shaping American society. The podcast features interviews with scholars and activists who provide insightful perspectives.
Code Switch This NPR podcast, hosted by a team of journalists led by Shereen Marisol Meraji and Gene Demby, delves into the complexities of race, ethnicity, and culture in America. It addresses a wide range of DEI topics through engaging storytelling and analysis.
E - Engage
Engaging in racial justice and DEI work can indeed be challenging, particularly for those new to it all. One of the main reasons for this difficulty is the discomfort that arises when confronting deep-rooted societal norms, biases, and systemic inequities. People may feel overwhelmed, defensive, or unsure of how to navigate mixed settings. Moreover, engaging in these spaces can trigger age-old power and privilege dynamics, where individuals may struggle with relinquishing their positions of authority and acknowledging their own biases.
That being said, here are some reasons why engaging is difficult along with some solid steps to challenge yourself to become a stronger:
Unlearning and Relearning: Racial justice and DEI work require unlearning long-held beliefs and relearning the true history and experiences of marginalized communities. This process can challenge a person's worldview and evoke feelings of vulnerability and uncertainty.
Step to Resolve: Embrace a growth mindset and be open to unlearning and relearning. Educate yourself on the experiences of different communities by reading diverse perspectives and getting out there and engaging in thoughtful conversations with individuals from various backgrounds and all walks of life. Traveling is a remarkable way to learn about life and life experiences that are different than our own.
Fear of Making Mistakes: In mixed settings, or settings that we are not used to, people may fear saying the wrong thing or unintentionally causing harm. This fear of making mistakes can lead to a reluctance to participate at all.
Step to Resolve: Recognize that making mistakes is a natural part of the learning process. Be willing to listen, apologize, and learn from your mistakes. Cultivate a willingness to be vulnerable and acknowledge your limitations while striving to do better.
Defensiveness and Fragility: When confronted with discussions about race and privilege, some individuals may become defensive, feeling as though they are being attacked or blamed for systemic injustices.
Step to Resolve: Practice self-awareness and mindfulness in racially mixed settings. Recognize that conversations about racial justice are not personal attacks but opportunities for growth and understanding. Stay present in the conversation and be receptive to feedback.
Power and Privilege Dynamics: Engaging in mixed settings can bring power and privilege dynamics to the surface, where those in dominant groups may struggle to relinquish power and actively listen to marginalized voices.
Step to Resolve: Practice active listening and humility. Be aware of how power dynamics may be influencing your behavior and intentionally create spaces for marginalized voices to be heard. Be an ally by using your privilege to uplift others.
Embrace a Learner Mindset: Dominant U.S. culture often values being a "knower" and having all the answers. In racial justice and DEI work, it's essential to challenge this notion and embrace a learner mindset, recognizing that growth and understanding are ongoing processes.
Step to Resolve: Approach racial justice and DEI work with humility and curiosity. Be open to learning from others and value different perspectives. Seek opportunities to engage in meaningful conversations and workshops that promote learning and self-reflection.
This blog-series is designed to encourage introspection and foster a deeper understanding of how one perceives and interacts with the diverse world around them. Self-awareness is crucial for promoting positive change and contributing to a more inclusive society.
The only constant is change. Change is an inevitable part of life, and we are all contributing to life in some way with how we see, think and do. Ask yourself: Am I looking IN THE MIRROR?❤️
"IN THE MIRROR" is a blog-series that features viewpoints from the personal opinion of John-Michael Scurio, local resident, blogger and coach here in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, and creator/owner of this blog - www.iloveureka.com. In this LIVING WELL blog-series, we uncover the depths of change and how we all have the ability to change. But it takes time, and it requires some learning. Take time to learn and grow. Please enjoy!
