Interracial Race & Ethnicity Conversation
Conversation Guide
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The ability to have meaningful conversations on Race and Ethnicity is instrumental in developing a society that reflects the multi-faceted population of this country. However, this skill is not taught in schools, nor is it easily acquired. Unless one is part of a diverse community comprised of members willing to intentionally share their experiences with one another for mutual growth, most people will not have deep exposure to these conversations. The purpose of this conversation is for participants to build on their previous conversation in affinity groups and increase their capacity to engage in discussions that many typically experience as challenging.
Let's Get Started!
Living Room Conversations offers a simple, sociable and structured way to practice communicating across differences while building understanding and relationships. Typically, 4-6 people meet in person or by video call for about 90 minutes to listen to and be heard by others on one of our nearly 100 topics. Rather than debating or convincing others, we take turns talking to share, learn, and be curious. No preparation is required, though background links with balanced views are available on some topic pages online. Anyone can host using these italicized instructions. Hosts also participate.
Introductions:
Why We're Here (~10 min)
Each participant has 1 minute to introduce themselves.
Share your name, where you live, what drew you here, and if this is your first conversation.
Conversation Agreements:
How We'll Engage (~5 min)
These will set the tone of our conversation; participants may volunteer to take turns reading them aloud. (Click here for the full conversation agreements.)
- Be curious and listen to understand.
- Show respect and suspend judgment.
- Note any common ground as well as any differences.
- Be authentic and welcome that from others.
- Be purposeful and to the point.
- Own and guide the conversation.
Question Rounds:
What We’ll Talk About
Optional: a participant can keep track of time and gently let people know when their time has elapsed.
Round 1:
Getting to Know Each Other (~10 min)
Each participant can take 1-2 minutes to answer one of these questions:
- What are your hopes and concerns for your family, community and/or the country?
- What would your best friend say about who you are?
- What sense of purpose / mission / duty guides you in your life?
Round 2:
Interracial Race & Ethnicity (~40 min)
One participant can volunteer to read the paragraph at the top of the web page.
Take ~2 minutes each to answer a question below without interruption or crosstalk. After everyone has answered, the group may take a few minutes for clarifying or follow up questions/responses. Continue exploring additional questions as time allows..
- What thoughts and emotions have the murders of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd brought up in you? What has this been like for you?
- What does Whiteness mean to you? How has that changed or stayed the same over time?
- What advantages, disadvantages, or responsibilities do White people have in fighting against racism? Black people? Other people of color?
- What would a society that values racial and ethnic differences look like? What hopes and fears come up for you when thinking about that society?
- What thoughts or emotions come up for you as you think of having future conversations on this subject with others who do not share your point of view?
Round 3:
Reflecting on the Conversation (~15 min)
Take 2 minutes to answer one of the following questions:
- What was most meaningful / valuable to you in this Living Room Conversation?
- What learning, new understanding or common ground was found on the topic?
- How has this conversation changed your perception of anyone in this group?
- Is there a next step you would like to take based upon the conversation?
