Reflections on Diversity

Thanks to all of the CRMers and everyone that turned out at Sunday's Diversity Dialogues. We had a great crowd and generated some lively discussion of issues that really matter to Arlingtonians.

Kojo kicked things off and his pointed questions and willingness to bring up potentially divisive issues really helped the dialogue get to a deeper level. This last dialogue was much better than the first one in my opinion.

Here's an example - at the first one everyone wanted to talk about the importance of diversity, the efforts they made to be diverse and pat everyone else on the back. At this one, a white woman in my group started out that way. She explained that she had moved her children to a more diverse school, had made significant efforts to meet people from different cultures and was basically trying real hard to be open minded and inclusive.
... But then she opened up and admitted to us that when she was bike commuting once, she was locking up her bike and a black man approached her and asked if he could ask her a question. She was startled and afraid and told him to back off and that she was going to call security. He explained that he was security, he was just in between shifts (in casual clothes).
She of course apologized profusely and talked to him for awhile after that. He was not very fazed, saying that it had happened before.

That's the truth of the situation. Even with the best laid plans and intentions we still have underlying prejudices and sometimes crippling stereotypes.

I spent the rest of the dialogue asking people from all ethnicities how we can undo these prejudices since it is clear that our superficial efforts are not working.

Here are two observations / suggestions that were shared with me:
1. Tolerance is not acceptance. Tolerance is not enough because you are just allowing someone else to live their life even though you disagree with them or even hate them. We need to work to move beyond mere tolerance.
2. Prejudice thrives in ignorance. We will not be an inclusive community unless neighbors get to know neighbors. Introduce yourself, smile, invite someone over for a meal.

Not able to attend? Go to the Diversity Dialogues website for more information about the Task Force and ways to contribute your ideas.

Last Chance to Attend Diversity Dialogues

This Sunday, Oct 26th from 1:30 -4:30 pm at Drew Model School is your last chance to participate in the Diversity Dialogues. Did I mention Kojo Nnamdi, host of WAMU 88.5's The Kojo Nnamdi Show, will deliver opening remarks?!

I don't know what else to tell you... meet lots of interesting people, make your voice heard to County Board, School Board, and other local leaders; eat some free munchies; expand your knowledge of who lives in Arlington and what's on their mind. This is a good thing to participate in and this is your last chance!

Afterwards, take in the Village at Shirlington with some ice cream from Maggie Moo's or a beer at Cap City.

Ways to get there?
Take the W&OD trail to its end at Shirlington Rd.
Drive (but be prepared to get there early since a huge turnout is expected!)
I believe the closest bus comes from Pentagon City metro and is the Art 82 Route

A Dialogue Was Had By All

Last night, I attended the Diversity Dialogue at Central Library. There was a huge turnout, resulting in extra tables and chairs being brought in and some difficulty in hearing the other people at your table. Great to see so many people care about connecting on this issue.

Being new to Arlington, I found it a good chance to meet a lot of different Arlington leaders and residents. There were 4 County Board members there (Chairman Tejada, Barbara Favola, Chris Zimmerman, and Mary Hynes) as well as 1-2 School Board members.

As far as the conversations that I participated in (you sat at 3 different tables during the evening and answered 3 different questions), I felt that they lacked depth. Most of the people in attendance were there because they were passionate about diversity and meeting people from different cultures and backgrounds. In other words, there was some preaching to the choir going on. I really enjoyed the chance to meet all of these different people, but I don't know how much was accomplished as far as generating ideas for how to improve Arlington's diversity and inclusion of all persons. Other tables seemed to generate some concrete examples of what the County could do and all of our ideas were recorded on a big mural that will be added to as the project continues.

Good News - there are 2 more chances for YOU to participate and add a different perspective, spark some debate and make this effort as productive as possible.

The next one is Thursday, October 16th at Barrett Elementary School.
Sign up today!! (you need to register ahead of time so they can plan how many tables and facilitators they need)