Lecture Notes: Understanding White Supremacy Culture and Objectivity

Introduction

• Speaker: Judy Blair
• Role: Anti-racism consultant specializing with white individuals, part of Diverse City team
• Video Series: Examines 15 aspects of white supremacy culture

Definition of White Supremacy in Context

• Not referring to white supremacists, Proud Boys, or white nationalists
• Describes white supremacy as:
  • The idea of whiteness as the ideal, norm, and default in society

Origin of the 15 Aspects

• List published in 1999 by Tema Okun, anti-racist trainer and activist
• Collaboration includes: Kenneth Jones, Daniel Buford, James Williams, Sharon Martinez
• Framework for recognizing, disrupting, and dismantling white supremacy in daily life

Purpose and Caution

• Objective: Interrogate values and norms for a just and equitable world
• Caution:
  • Norms aren't exclusive to Western white culture
  • Not inherently bad or good; part of socialization
  • Avoid treating norms as a checklist to eliminate
  • Critical analysis is essential

Focus of the Video: Objectivity

• Objectivity as a Myth:
  • No one is truly objective; influenced by life experiences and identities
  • Invalidates other viewpoints if they don't match one's own
  • Emotions often discounted; seen as invalid when influencing decisions

Impact of Objectivity

• Realization that everyone brings personal background to situations is beneficial
• Diversity of experience enriches lives:
  • Leads to better products and services
  • Encourages empathetic, open understanding

Critical Reflection

• Question presented objective viewpoints; assess their validity
• Diversity enhances business and personal growth

Conclusion

• Emphasizes learning and openness to alternate viewpoints within diversity