Life is Like a Box of Chocolate…

For the past three years I've sensed a significant wind of change that has now breached the naive impression of security many of us blindly embraced. So, here we are--national economic, housing, education and employment challenges that even the most astute are struggling with. But I strongly contend that this breach of our naiveté had to occur in order for many of us to change or surrender to the "possibilities" we've denied ourselves of for so long. Some will admit that relinquishing ourselves to the unknown is just too risky. But as the quote that character Forrest Gump made so popular notes, "Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you're gonna get." Well at least, not until you pick it up and bite into it.

Many people have never considered the "risk" in doing something they're unsure about--trusting in an uncertain direction, the initial belief in the value of it, and allowing it to permeate their lives for personal satisfaction and enjoyment. Feeling the anxiety of the initial first bite as it relates to anything in our lives is filled with the anticipation that says; "will I like it" or "how will it benefit me? Risk is a hard choice for those who have lived in comfortable surroundings or had their choices dictated by someone else. But with risk comes the fear of rejection, or the fear of failure; and when pride and security is threatened, we tend to retreat to protect what we have, even though it may only delay the outcome.

When we're confronted with the need or opportunity to change, especially when we think it's been imposed on us by others, or it's not of our doing, we can become psychologically disoriented, disengaged, angry and anxious. While I understand these emotional episodes, it would truly be madness for any of us to get stuck here. According to John Fisher's "Process of Transition" because of the constantly changing nature of our nature we are not "the victims of our biography." This means we have the choice (although sometimes it may not appear that way) at any time to give ourselves permission to embrace our power to change, shift, and grow. During times of transformation we're only limited in our vision of ourselves and our future by our own internal blinders. A type of one-dimensional foresight that obscures any clear perceptions and discernments we may have of ourselves or our future-hence, restricting our ability to transition effectively when necessary. We have to realize that circumstances happen, fade away, and happen again--but more importantly, we have to recognize when to refocus and redirect our lives.

There's a phrase that I'm constantly trying to get my clients to buy into and that's "Transference of skills."Transference of skills relates to the degree that a person is able to shift the skills, knowledge, and attitudes they've learned in one environment or job to another. Unfortunately, many of us are masters at compartmentalizing our lives and our experiences--never realizing that many things are interrelated. And when we're in the midst of transition it's even harder to see the connections.

For most of us, when we embark on the arduous task of finding a new job or a new path in life, we unconsciously seek out what is similar to what we already know. We get a title change, some new responsibilities, a little bit of emotional candy and we're actually convinced that we've made some real changes--when in fact we've basically stayed on the same course. If you've never heard the audio version of Dr. Spencer Johnson's "Who Moved My Cheese" I strongly encourage you to get it. The audio version a must have for anyone who thinks they have good reason for resisting change or who feels entitled to the comfort of status quo. Don't get the book--it doesn't have the same affect, you have to experience this audibly. But, I digress.

In a rough economy where many people are struggling just to find ANY job, there are just as many taking advantage of the situation by using these times as an excuse to reevaluate their priorities and reinvent their lives. Most people I've talked to who have confessed they hate their jobs, also admit they've never really spent any time mapping out a strategy to prepare for the career that best fits their personality or their interest. But I'll be the first to admit making a career or life modification is easier decided on, than done; and if your life is anything like mine, information on just what to do, where to go, and how to start never comes easy. So, let me offer some links and tips to help you get back on track if you're experiencing the unexpected opportunity of being released from a job or you just want to find out how your present skills can be transferred to begin a path towards a more satisfying career and quality of life.

O*Net (http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=xmvzp9cab.0.0.enazmacab.0&p=http%3A%2F%2Fonline.onetcenter.org%2F&id=preview) is the most comprehensive source of occupational information you can find, and allows you to access a searchable database of more than 900 occupations. But the real value of this site is the skills search (http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=xmvzp9cab.0.0.enazmacab.0&p=http%3A%2F%2Fonline.onetcenter.org%2Fgen_skills_page&id=preview). By answering questions in one or more of six broad skills areas (basic skills, social skills, complex problem solving skills, technical skills, system skills and resource management skills), you'll generate a list of occupations your skills can be transferred to. It also offers a Computerized Interest Profiler and the Work Importance Locator. I usually assist my clients with this, but with some computer savvy and patience this site can offer you great insight.

The Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH: http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=xmvzp9cab.0.0.enazmacab.0&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bls.gov%2Foco%2Fhome.htm&id=preview) the OOH provides narrative descriptions of approximately 275 occupational groups, which includes information of what employees do on a particular job, the working conditions, the training and education needed, the earnings, expected job prospects, and sources of additional information in a wide range of occupations. This site is a little more user friendly, but make sure to set aside some time because it will take you a while to go through all information. Again, it's worth it.

As you consider the possibilities of your career future keep in mind, the Associated Press released a report earlier this year that revealed certain jobs can't be outsourced, such as education, healthcare, government, utilities, gas and oil, and railroad.

During the Difficult Times—Change!

I've always said that adversity introduces a man or woman to him or herself. In my life-time I have had my share of adversity. Heck; sometimes I've had my share and someone else's share too! Through the years I've learned that in my moments of adversity, God wasn't picking on me--but forcing me to find my voice, my internal resourcefulness, and the confidence to live in my possibilities. In essence, I've learned that difficulties don't come to destroy, but to build up and fulfill. I know all too well, in times of adversity, inspirational words are great and wonderful--but when it seems the bottom is falling out, they can be annoying as hell. However, I want to share with you what I've learned to do to encourage myself during hard times. As a matter of fact, I now do this whether I'm having troubles or not--it helps me to stay focused.

As a prerequisite, I had to first embrace a "growth" mindset, which helped me understand that hardships or difficulties come to teach or prepare us and I owe it to myself to learn or get ready. So, instead of saying "why me or what did I do to deserve this?" I immediately ask, "What is it that I need to learn; what character trait do I need to strengthen?" The next thing I did was write two facts on my bathroom mirror in a place that I can see from any angle: "God Has Provided for Me Today" underlining the main tenet, God Has Today! This fact allowed me to practice "right now gratitude." Whether I'm brushing my teeth, in the shower, in the bathroom, or indulging in a relaxing bubble bath, the truth that God Has Today... reminds me about the grace of the day. I also began to realize my greatest moments of depression and stress were rooted in either focusing on the guilt, shame or regret of the past; or worrying about what might happen in the future-that hadn't happen yet. I now have "God Has Provided for Me Today" on my refrigerator and my desk. The second fact on my mirror is, "I'm Wiser, I'm Stronger, I'm Better." This is my daily reminder that I am not "the victim of my biography." So, instead of bringing my past injuries to my future, I bring the lessons I've learned. By giving myself permission to accept this fact, I don't have to become pessimistic or embittered about love, life or success because I've learned better and I can trust the decisions I make for myself.

As a society, we're experiencing some pretty rough times right now. But socialists actually argue that this may be the perfect time for us, as individuals, to explore our alternatives and life possibilities. So go for it -- give yourself permission to explore and embrace your possibilities.

Getting Back into the Habit of Love

As I reflect on the past month of February, I realized there was a lot happening in the shortest month of the year--Black History, Valentine's Day, President's Day, Mardi Gras, the beginning of Lent, and my birthday, which I celebrate for the entire month. Okay, I digressed a bit. Anyway, I want to share with you my thoughts on the message found in the three major themes of this month: Black History, Valentine's Day, & President's Day.

Getting Back into the Habit of Love…

It seems that too many of us are experiencing a sense of cynicism and doubtfulness about the possibilities of love finding us. Many I talk to would rather profess they’re not interested in having a love that honors and respects them, than to admit they’ve simply lost hope that it could happen for them. Sometimes, I even catch myself slipping into this mindset from time to time. But what does this have to do with President’s Day, Black History and Valentine’s Day, let me explain.

Even though we are by-in-large self-directive individuals, many Americans, as in the past, will unconsciously be taking some cryptic cues from our new President and our First Lady’s relationship. Sound crazy--not really. History has suggested that in tumultuous times like these, the perceived stability of the President's love life makes a difference in how we will view our quality of life. In other words, our assumptions about the secret love between our presidents and their wives is said to be indicators of both their character, and the shaping of our values about sex and relationships as a nation. So basically, a supportive and loving relationship in the White House tends to send a message of stability and values to the American people.

While mainstream White America has a long history of seeing Presidential love relationships at various levels to gauge their quality of life; I can’t say that historically we in the Black community have done the same. I have to admit that my deciding vote for a President has always been based on what I saw in their wives. But in this Black History month, America and the world will now have a cultural view of love that is untainted by Hollywood or stigmatized by our history or by mass media.

Black Americans are not strangers to what it’s like to be amoureux (in love). To be honest, I long for what I know about the passion of black love’s past. As a child, growing up in the Black community I remember all the examples of public displays of affection (PDA). Black men and women holding hands walking through our neighborhood; couples embracing each other on the porch swings as they watched the children playing, or setting between one another’s legs on the porch steps taking in the late evening sun; my mother shouting at me or one of my sisters when the street lights came on, “While you and that boy so busy grinning in each other’s face, you better get your little butt in this house.” I remember the love letters I’ve received and written. And yes, I’ve had a few hickeys on my neck in my life-time. And while we didn’t have much in material or financial resources, love was never a resource we were short of. Love sustained us as Black Americans; we worked to get love right and we revered and honored it. But sadly, we’ve gotten so caught up in the business of surviving that when it comes to love, we’ve lost our “true north”.

I have no problem admitting that I am an old school romantic, so watching the PDA between President and First Lady Obama makes me giddy--it’s not only refreshing, but it renews my belief in the transcending power of love. What makes me most giddy about this cultural view of love radiating from the White House is not just that it will be added to the Presidential historical writings, but that it is beginning to prick the psyche of Black American men and women and the conversations of wanting to emulate the perception of this presidential love has begun. While we witness from a far the gazes of adoration, respect and desire between President and First Lady Obama in print and public news shots, we can do more than just desiring the same for ourselves—we can get back into the habit of love.

There are two things I’ve come to understand about giving and sharing love. First, it’s not an expense, disease, or a condition of shame to be avoided. And second, a sensation of self-worth is the greatest gift of love you can give to anyone. In the shadows of the month of Love and Black History, I strongly believe that this “time of change” is calling on Black men and women to, individually and collectively, recalibrate our mindsets; to recognize that we have the absolute power to choose whether or not we maintain our distance with love or begin to give ourselves permission to move towards love. One way we can begin the journey back is to regain the art of writing love letters.

It has been said that Love Letters contain words that are the most often kept, and the most often burnt.

Back in the day, some of our 18th Century Presidents were masters at scripting love letters. They used special parchment paper, hand wrote with a quill; they sealed the envelope with wax and tied it with a special ribbon. They were just as concerned about the presentation, as they were about the content.

Today, we’ve become apprehensive about giving the vocabulary of our hearts free rein. Maybe because we’ve been led to believe that “loving” is passé, disastrous, or intellectually unsound. In the Christian Bible, we’re commanded to love others as ourselves (Matthew 22:39). But, I’ve always asked how we can accomplish this when we’re not encouraged to properly love ourselves. We have to come out of this holding pattern of waiting for someone else to fuel our self-worth. So, I want to challenge you to start your journey back to love by thinking of your “self-worth” as another person and write a love letter to your self-worth. Make sure you write it in third-person, as if you were writing to a lover that has made you want to pull out your Luther Vandross collection. As you write your love letter I want you to indulge in the same practices of our past presidents when they wrote love letters.

Before you write my suggestion off as silly or childish think about this; the art of writing love letters is essential to our quality of life—we’re not human without it. It’s more than just putting a few expressive words on paper; it’s a way of pouring out from the core of our whole selves; a way of letting go of the debilitating emotions that dare to rob us of our essence, and a way to temporarily close out the distresses of the world and reconnect with the soul of ourselves. I believe this is as effective as 10 minutes of meditation. So, to reacquaint you with this art of writing, here are some steps to get you started.

A Simple Start to Writing a Love Letter

1. Start with the right mood. While you might be inspired by something or someone you see in your environment, don't attempt to write your letter of love while sitting in the middle of a lunchroom or on your commute home from work. Stimulate the mood by finding a place where you can relax without interruption; dim the lights, put on some romantic music, pour yourself a glass of wine, and surrender yourself to the mood.

2. It’s personal, not technical. As I said before, indulge in the same practice of our past presidents. That means no computers--only a pen and paper are allowed. Get some nice stationery, a beautiful sticky seal, ribbons and some lavender or rose scented spray--don’t cheat yourself out of the whole experience.

3. Open with romance--end with romance. Don’t start with the common "Dear [your name]" opening or "Sincerely yours [your name]" ending for this heartfelt letter. Choose a more passionate opening; such as “To the one who holds the whispers of my desires…” this sets an intimate tone for the rest of your letter. Close your letter with the same passion, with something like “From the depths of a heart that longs to love you better…”

4. Express your love by conveying why you're writing. Are you writing to express feelings of gratitude and adoration, to pay homage to your self-worth or ask forgiveness of your self-worth? Explain how you feel, and include your hopes or plans for your future being true to your whole self. Borrow some words from a romantic quote. Attempting to express the intense emotion of love can become overwhelming; using quotes from other lovers can often sum up a flood of feelings in just a few lines. Here’s a website of love quotes to help you out http://www.squidoo.com/romantic-quotes.

5. Find a romantic way. Once you’ve completed your letter, wait a few days and then create a romantic way to present your letter to yourself. Spray it with lavender or a rose scent, seal and tie it with a ribbon and lay it on your pillow with a few chocolate mints before you go to work. This way, you create a sense of anticipation of something awaiting you when you return home, then read the letter just before going to sleep that night. This puts you in a position of "sweet sleep". Take your letter to a florist and schedule for it to be sent to you a few days later with a bouquet of flowers and a reservation to a dinner jazz club.

Remember, this is an art that is essential to our quality of life—we’re not human without it. So, while you consider whether to do this task or not, reflect on this quote, “To love a person is to learn the song that is in their heart and to sing it to them when they have forgotten its tune” (Author Unknown). Your conscious self might have forgotten--but your heart has not--allow it to remind you once again that "you are loved!"

Pennie

Maintaining the Momentum of Change (Part 2)

In the Black community, we are good at claiming other people who are not blood relatives as a family member, when we think they're cool; that’s my auntie, my cousin; oh, that's my Momma Pearl. Well, I’m throwing my claim in and telling people President Obama is my “brothen-law”-- Michelle’s my half-sister (that’s my story, and I’m sticking to it). Words cannot express or capture the excitement and pride I feel to have a true visual depiction of the Black Family for the whole world to see.

With that being said, I recently read an article in the Shreveport Times on-line by Andrew Manis, Assoc. Professor of History at Macon State College in Georgia "When Are We Going to Get Over It?" My sentiments exactly! Manis points out that since the election of our first Black President, to our eternal shame, we are once again hearing some of the same reprehensible talk from the 60s-cross burnings, racist graffiti, alleged hate crimes, and school aged children talking about wanting to "assassinate Obama."

In his article Manis, a White male, ask a series of "How Long" questions that challenges the hidden consciousness of some White Americans. For instance, he asked: "How long before we White people get over our bitter resentments about being demoted to the status of equality with nonwhites? How long until we White people stop insisting that Blacks exercise personal responsibility, build strong families, educate themselves enough to edit the Harvard Law Review, and work hard enough to become president of the United States, only to threaten to assassinate them when they do? Manis admits he doesn't believe he'll live long enough to see White people get over their racists issues; so, he intends to implement a few things during the Obama administration: first, to pray that God (and the Secret Service) will protect President Obama and his family from White people. Second, to report to the FBI anyone he overhears saying, in seriousness or in jest, anything of a threatening manner against President Obama; and third, to pray that God allows him to live long enough to see America surprise the world once again, by White people singing of the damnable color prejudice, "We HAVE overcome."

Now, before we of minority descent stick our chests out in doggedness and say, "See--White people," let's just be honest in acknowledging our part in this racial madness. Both Black and White Americans habitually think in ways that keep the fires of distrust burning as it relates to irreconcilable race relations. This doesn't make us bad people--it makes us human. We are tribal beings--deeply distrustful of those unlike us. And in times of limited resources, that distrust is magnified and we blame the "others" for creating our lack. It's my belief that if you want to keep people ignorant of their resourcefulness and personal power, get them to believe that there is not "enough" and they'll be so occupied with fear--fighting over the perceived lack--they won't realize their internal ability to create more. Call me a conspiracy theorist, but our society has been notorious at perpetuating such scarcity scenarios between the races for decades.

What brought Obama to his position of President of the United States was his unyielding knowledge of "enough," not his fear of "scarcity." This mentality of "enough" enabled President Obama to see beyond the limitations of what others might think of his race, which changed the political canvass of America forever. Many concede to President Obama's achievements, but feel realistically, it will take longer for this mindset to ripple through our society. Our racial discord, which has been built on the "fear of not enough," is tightly woven into the fibers of America's consciousness, so it will not disappear quickly. But as Luke Visconti of DiversityInc.com states, "It is a "zero-sum" error to think that diversity diminishes White men. The actual situation is that preserving white dominance has proven to do nothing more than to diminish White men." More importantly, it has diminished our potential as a Nation.

As I talk about "giving yourself permission" in life, love and success in future newsletters, it will only be as effective as we are able to create a new canvass for ourselves. The most important thing we can do for ourselves right now is give ourselves permission to evolve. This means a mental evolution that realizes the similarities of our human needs, desires, struggles, losses, distresses, joys and delights no matter the gender, race or sexual orientation. An evolution that admits to the possibility of our feelings of scarcity, fear of the unknown and the awkwardness in dealing with others that don't hold our views or fit our standards. An evolution that knows the archaic mindset of social and economic divisiveness must go through a drastic conversion if we really want change. There are a few things President Obama will not be able to do to change the self-sabotaging course we are on--and human reconciliation is just one of those things. The campaign of change started with us and we can maintain the momentum with five simple evolutionary acts:

1. Keep a mental or written journal of how often you interact with another individual outside your own race, sexual orientation or economic status. Notice whether these interactions are superficial or meaningful, and consider what role you're playing in the exchange. Then think about what you can do (that is natural for you) to better the interaction.
   
2. Read articles, modern novels, nonfictions, or biographies about or by minority authors. Take notice of the portrayal of life being presented without labeling it inferior or superior; then reflect on how similar or different things are from your own life.


3. Refuse to be a shadow in the background of society. Attend events presented by or showcasing minorities. Become involved in a social change group. Move beyond the "me, my four, and no more" mentality; just because injustice isn't happening to you, your love ones, or those of your ethnic group doesn't make injustice any less wrong.


4. Avoid using old filters. Give yourself permission to listen to what others are really saying without the filter of race, discrimination, stereotypes or stigmas. Allow yourself to accept the person's version of events without negating it by your own cultural experiences.


5. Make racism and discrimination passé. Have the courage to challenge the stereotypes and stigmas perpetuated by those around us. When we respond to rude or inappropriate comments of race, gender or sexual orientation as unfashionable and outdated we are turning the wheels of change. Saying something as simple as, "That junk is outdated—we're on a whole new level of conscious respect," will cause a change in behavior. Why; because as humans, we want to be in the in-group.

Joan Jaeckel and Eric Utne, guest editors for GreenMoney Journal.com made a statement I strongly agree with; "We're not just at a crisis point in our society; we're at a threshold of opportunities. There's no one to blame, no good old days to go back to," so let's surprise the world once again, and work to move away from the selfish, fearful, scarcity mentality and embrace an unyielding knowledge of "enough."

I Wish You Courage in this New Year!

Let's all say WHEW! Now take a deep breath and relax for a moment.

This past year of crisis has provided a New Year of opportunities like no other year before it. So during this time of immeasurable change and opportunity, I wish you the courage to live up to your purpose! Over the last year and a half I've found myself asking for courage to fulfill my purpose. A few days ago, while again asking for courage to manage the new direction that this New Year would definitely present to me, I realized I was asking for the wrong thing. Courage wasn't what I needed -- I already had courage. What I was really asking for was the ability to embrace and act upon that courage in a manner that would allow me to live up to my purpose at this given time.

I'll be honest; this whole thing of "embracing and acting on courage" requires a higher level of consciousness and bravado. No doubt it can be done, but here's the glitch. If you're like me, you've spent a considerable amount of time looking outside yourself for acceptance, approval and support, but it's time to turn our gaze inward for what we've looked outside ourselves for before.

This year, instead of the standard tradition of making another unfulfilled New Year's resolution (decision or promise); I decided that working towards a New Year's evolution (a plan of growth and development) would actually help me make progress in my life. So, throughout this new year of opportunity the Asking for Richer Ground newsletter will focus on the growth and development of giving yourself permission in life, love, and success.

While the conversations will be centered on our individual efforts towards embracing the courage to live up to what we've been purposed for -- I realize there are many external opposition (perceived and actual) that can frustrate our best efforts. Therefore, the conversations will include topics concerning your inner self, your environment and all the possible hindrances that life may throw at you. Some of the topics planned for 2009 will be:

• In Life: the elements of good decision-making; overcoming our fears of rejection; changing how we respond to racism & discrimination; converting the social environment we live in
• In Love: being appreciative, yet discriminative in love; relationships that enhance you; the personal value of uncensored forgiveness; the character of healthy love; needing love doesn't have to make you desperate
• In Success: the season of late bloomers; alternative paths to success, recognizing the fear of success; getting it wrong is a key element of success; and so much more!

Again, Happy New Year and thank you for being a part of the family, I look forward to being a part of your New Year's evolutionary growth plan.

Now Our Real Work Begins

I have to admit on election night, like most others, I cried at the announcement of Senator Obama’s win as President Elect of the United States. As a Black-American woman, the tears were of the obvious pride in actually seeing the first African-American elected as President. While my pride is certainly vindicated, I realize this reality was not achieved solely on the vote of Blacks. This win was achieved by the many different races and groups that make up the tapestry of America’s fibers. So, my tears on election night were also for the possibility of a new social consciousness; a consciousness that sees value in all people, even the least of us, no matter the color, gender or sexual preference. My hopes were heightened in knowing that if “we the people” could do something as monumental as electing our first African-American President then we could also began the work of healing the racial wounds and animosity in our society.

Since the election I have traveled throughout the states of Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas and with all of my bliss about America’s new possibilities, I have been faced with the reality that “the more things change--the more things stay the same.” For instance, while in Louisiana, I was rendered speechless when I was told by the Blacks in one of my classes that while they were thrilled about having an African-American President, they knew not to talk openly about those joys. In another situation, I was driving from Oklahoma to Texas and stopped to get some gas and a cup of cappuccino. As I went to the cashier to pay, I saw a magazine with Obama on the cover, smiling as I picked it up, I handed it to the cashier to add to my purchase. He says to me in a disgusted tone, “Let me guess, you voted for Obama.” In a happy, giddy tone I replied, “Yes I did--isn’t it amazing!” The man replied with even more disgust, “I’m not quite ready to get into a great hug-fest with you Obama supporters, but I guess ‘congratulation’ is in order for such a historic win.” Looking into his disappointed eyes, I touched his hand that had rested on the counter and said to him in an approving tone, “At least you’re open, and that’s all anyone can ask.”

I picked up my cup of cappuccino and magazine I left the store almost skipping like a kid that had just left a candy store with a big haul. Mainly because, in my own wacky way, even though I realized that there is no easy fix to our social ills, and our real work is just beginning, that brief conversation with the clerk in the store gave me a greater sense of optimism that there is a chink in the armor of resistance. The undertones of the conversation said to me, if we really wanted to we could do more than just elect our first African-American President. As I got into my car I found myself reflecting on a part of Obama’s November 4th victory speech:

“This victory alone is not the change we seek. It is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were. It can't happen without you, without a new spirit of service, a new spirit of sacrifice. So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism, of responsibility, where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves but each other” (President Elect Barak Obama, 2008).

There is a new model being set before us. The assertion that this country’s success rest on all of us, not a selected few; the collaboration with Senator Clinton, not choosing to retaliate against Joe Lieberman, all demonstrates President-elect Obama’s ability to respond to a higher consciousness for the sake of the greater good and to work with his supporters as well as his rivals. This should offer us as American citizens our first order of business--to act in the same spirit and begin the real work of ending the “sibling rivalry” between the races so America can move forward. As a nation, we have been in this quandary for too long, and no President, his cabinet, government policy or regulations can change this--we as individuals will have to choose a new direction. Each of us will have to summon a new spirit of responsibility and resolve to pitch in and work harder, looking after not only ourselves, but each other.

Pennie

Maintaining the Momentum of Change (Part I)

The spirit and conviction of Obama’s campaign was “Yes WE Can!” It incited a heartfelt declaration that penetrated all barriers of race, age, and gender. As proud as I am about what we as a people accomplished, I have to say I can’t help but wonder if the 53% of us who voted for Obama really understand the strength and responsibility behind the words “Yes We Can!” In these weeks after the election, I have thought about what we as individuals can do to stay true to the spirit of this declaration and maintain the momentum of our victory. Sadly, what came to mind were the recent recurring headlines: “Obama’s Win Sparks Rise in Hate Crimes and Racial Violence” and “Gay rights supporters rally against California's Proposition Eight.” This made me think back to the many attempted insertion of discord during the Presidential campaign, and how in spite of it, our declaration stayed firm--Yes We Can. I then realized that our greatest contribution to maintaining the momentum of this new direction for America would come in the achievement of multiculturalism--the act of recognizing, celebrating, respecting and maintaining the different cultural identities that make up our society in order to promote social cohesion.

This is not a new concept or conversation; however, no time in the past has been as fertile as the present to use an old idea in a new way--to promote racial cohesion. The old idea I’m talking about is C. Gilbert Wrenn’s (1962) work on multicultural counseling and a phenomenon called "cultural encapsulation." His theory actually focused on encouraging counselors to see outside the walls of their culture to consider and appreciate the cultural differences that affect the realities of others. By looking at Wrenn’s philosophy in the context of today’s social and racial challenges, I really believe his classic thought about change speaks to our present situation. Wrenn stated, “In the process of change the world becomes increasingly smaller. Yet we continue to surround ourselves with a pretended reality, making it impossible for us to see outside the walls of our resistant shell of racial or social intolerance (italics mine).”

The culturally encapsulated individual is described as one who hides behind the notion that "mine is best." Wrenn identified five reasons why individuals often fail to gain a multicultural perspective:

1. We become dependent on one technique, theory or authority. Therefore, our narrow view of the world prevents us from adapting to new ways of thinking

2. We define reality according to our cultural assumptions and stereotypes

3. We disregard the cultural variations of others and assume that "we know what’s best or good for them"

4. When our assumptions are threatened by another’s view of religion, politics, or culture, we become defensive

5. When people from another culture are perceived as threatening, they become the "enemy" who needs to be confronted, opposed or defeated in the name of self-preservation

Cultural encapsulation has created our present social attitude of moral exclusion. This mindset has caused us to label individuals and groups as immoral or illegal. When we take this stance, we actually see particular individuals or groups (Blacks, Hispanics, Gays, Lesbians, etc.) as undeserving of legal or ethical treatment and dealing with them unjustly becomes appropriate and justified.

We have a lot of work to do as individual Americans, but someone once said, “With optimism comes a strong streak of decency.” Our recent victory in electing our first African-American President has given me hope and optimism that we can begin the process of doing the extraordinary. I’m not advocating that we fight against the present status quo of social and racial inequality, but that we develop a new consciousness that makes the existing mindset passé.

Pennie

Read Maintaining the Momentum of Change (parts 2) next month to find out how I believe we can begin to create a new model for racial cohesion.