I understand the need for "Empowering Males of Color", but the tone of this is exclusive offensive

[Anonymous]

The title is a great example of tone policing. “I’d be with you on this anti-racist work, but you’re hurting my feelings so no.”

[Anonymous]

The event page says this:

“A virtual space for students of color to connect, heal, and be empowered through an array of engagements and exciting workshop offerings.

This virtual conference is a dedicated space for 6th - 12th grade DCPS students of colorwhere they can experience and participate in exciting workshops and can connect with friends and peers”

[Anonymous]

I don't have a problem with this, but they should have added a line saying all students are welcome.

I know from experience that people get upset when you focus. I ran a woman's group at work for years. Females have different challenges in the work place and we focused on those. One man complained and wanted us to end it, so I added that anyone can join. If a man wants to hear about breast feeding at the office or the glass ceiling they should feel free to join.

A DCPS student who does not fit the focus group
may find that nothing applies to them, but they should be invited.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP this is DCUM

Everyone else do you find this offensive

"Empowering White Males" then you should with the other too

What about "Empowering Males with Autism" or "Empowering Females with ADHD"

Are those offensive?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't have a problem with this, but they should have added a line saying all students are welcome.

I know from experience that people get upset when you focus. I ran a woman's group at work for years. Females have different challenges in the work place and we focused on those. One man complained and wanted us to end it, so I added that anyone can join. If a man wants to hear about breast feeding at the office or the glass ceiling they should feel free to join.

A DCPS student who does not fit the focus group
may find that nothing applies to them, but they should be invited.

I agree with this. It's not the event itself, but they should make it clear all students are welcomed (assuming they are). If it's going to be really targeted at a particular group and others aren't welcome, it might make more sense for it to just be offered by the city, say through the library system or something, rather than the public school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Seems innocuous. What about it did you find offensive? Are you also offended by the "young women as leaders" part?

It does not all student are encouraged to attend, which is what it should say. It says students of color are invited. That seems exclusive to me. So if you are an aspiring leader who is white, then it implies you are not invited. This from the Department of Equity SMH

The event is called empowering males color - so yes, it's inviting people of color. It doesn't say white people aren't allowed.

Well, slavery was "exclusive" as well. Very few white people were allowed to be slaves! This is like giving back a small coin after robbing an entire people of their dignity and self-sufficiency after 400 years.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't have a problem with this, but they should have added a line saying all students are welcome.

I know from experience that people get upset when you focus. I ran a woman's group at work for years. Females have different challenges in the work place and we focused on those. One man complained and wanted us to end it, so I added that anyone can join. If a man wants to hear about breast feeding at the office or the glass ceiling they should feel free to join.

A DCPS student who does not fit the focus group
may find that nothing applies to them, but they should be invited.

That man shouldn’t have been invited in your space. You should have instead advised him to form his own group.
Just like a woman may not speak as comfortably in a space where men are present, the same goes for people of color. Sometimes our conversations and deeply personal experiences are best shared amongst people like ourselves. We have very few spaces where it’s just US. Let US have something.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Honestly, after centuries of oppression including the present day, this is the least people can do for people of color.

+1

[Anonymous]

I don't think DCPS should be hosting events that exclude some students. I think that creating events that highlight diversity but are inclusive would be better. Private organizations and non-profits could host events that specifically cater to a demographic.

[Anonymous]

Meh, I lean far more center than left, and this doesn’t bother me. It’s sort of like HBCU’s. I think it’s a good thing they exist. It’s about building community for these kids. It’s an extra. I don’t see the issue.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't think DCPS should be hosting events that exclude some students. I think that creating events that highlight diversity but are inclusive would be better. Private organizations and non-profits could host events that specifically cater to a demographic.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't have a problem with this, but they should have added a line saying all students are welcome.

I know from experience that people get upset when you focus. I ran a woman's group at work for years. Females have different challenges in the work place and we focused on those. One man complained and wanted us to end it, so I added that anyone can join. If a man wants to hear about breast feeding at the office or the glass ceiling they should feel free to join.

A DCPS student who does not fit the focus group
may find that nothing applies to them, but they should be invited.

That man shouldn’t have been invited in your space. You should have instead advised him to form his own group.
Just like a woman may not speak as comfortably in a space where men are present, the same goes for people of color. Sometimes our conversations and deeply personal experiences are best shared amongst people like ourselves. We have very few spaces where it’s just US. Let US have something.

Events such as this in a public school system should be open to and welcoming for every student in that system, regardless of the race of the student or the majority race of the school district population as a whole.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP this is DCUM

Everyone else do you find this offensive

"Empowering White Males" then you should with the other too

No. This simplistic kind of thinking is Kindergarten level. Black and white Americans have not had at all similar experiences or opportunity for 400 plus years. Context matters. Put on your thinking cap.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The title is a great example of tone policing. “I’d be with you on this anti-racist work, but you’re hurting my feelings so no.”

amen.

[Anonymous]

This event is in person!?