Photo
retrieved from
https://www.signsworldwide.com/polystyrene-signs/polystyrene-open-closed-sign.html
I recently had the opportunity to sit down for a
discussion with Dr. Camara Jones of Morehouse University School of Medicine and
Emory University Rollins School of Public Health when she visited my university
for a lecture on race and health inequality. She recounted an allegory she
provides each time she discusses race and privilege:
When Dr. Jones was a medical student she went out to
dinner with some peers. Once she and her peers had been seated, she noticed a
sign on the main door. For those at the tables inside, the sign read, “Open;”
for those outside — unable to take a seat — it read, “Closed.” Dr. Jones
indicated that the sign served as a powerful metaphor about the way privilege
functions in United States and around the world. The systemic structures
present in our lives have a dual reality like that of the sign. Those inside
the restaurant who have access to opportunity don’t know of the two-sided sign.
They are aware of their own reality. Those outside of the restaurant are aware
of the two-sided sign with an awareness of their reality as well as the reality
they don’t have access to.
Once she completed her story, she asked the discussion
group what questions we had or thoughts came up for us. Well, when I was
processing this allegory I couldn’t help but think that not only was this a
great explanation for the way in which privilege works but also how do we go
about addressing the sign? If I’m inside, how do I help those also inside to
see the sign or the people outside of the restaurant? If I’m outside, how do I
help those who feel they have no hope of getting inside? All questions that
were in line with my value of helping others and identity as a counseling
psychology doctoral student, social justice activist, and feminist.
Reflecting now, I realize that the first step before
answering any of these questions was to look at myself. In what ways have I
been outside or inside the restaurant? How have I been perpetuating systems of
privilege or addressing them? Have there been times I could have done better in
a situation? I believe it would be difficult to educate others and encourage
them to do their own processing if I fail to do so myself. I often find myself,
and I’m sure I’m not the only one, guilty of asking a lot of others in their
journey towards understanding and addressing privilege without putting myself
in the spotlight and asking what it is I am doing.
This conversation doesn’t get easier with time because
no matter how much is known it still feels “icky” to have the knowledge of an
unfair and unjust system. But with time there can hopefully be more compassion
and more motivation to challenge ourselves to be better and do right by others
professionally and personally. In order to create partnerships and continue the
fight for and towards equality, there is internal work that must start and
continue. So I ask this of you: whether inside or outside the restaurant, how
are you challenging yourself to be and do better?
Written By Erika
Hanley, M.A.
Jones, C. P. (2000). Levels of Racism: A Theoretic
Framework and a Gardener’s Tale. American Journal of Public Health, 90(8),
1212.
Jones, C.P. [TedXTalks]. (2014, July 10). Allegories
on race and racism [Video]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNhcY6fTyBM
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