In the wake of the shooting of Jacob Blake by police officers in Kenosha, WI, I joined about 300 other Portlanders in protest outside the local police union. Contrary to mainstream news reports, Portland is and has been overwhelmingly peaceful, organized, and unified. // Truth matters. What really happened matters. Believing witnesses matters. Those who shape the narrative hold the power. Black Lives Matter.
Trying to be “nice” and using euphemisms to remain comfortable, rather than communicating directly is a form of fucker. Honesty can feel uncomfortable—both to receive and to give. But being willing to be vulnerable—to become uncomfortable with discomfort—is part and parcel of effective communication and leads to greater understanding and connection.
Read MoreAs white women—and men—I believe it is incumbent upon all of us to examine our biases and our privilege as the first step to dismantling racism. As with everything I teach and do, we’ve got to Name It to Tame It. Toppling monuments and protesting police brutality are external signs. But there are other, less visible changes that are of critical importance. We must—those of us with white privilege—take a fearless moral inventory of our roots, our conditioning, and the subtle (or not so subtle) ways we keep racism alive, even if only through our silence and complacency. This is the work.
Read MoreFuckery is any behavior that puts integrity and trustworthiness on the line. This emotional sludge robs us of sleep and throws off our focus. It’s an enormous distraction and kills productivity. Left unchecked, it breeds, leaving us divided or isolated, unable to see a way through. Damaged trust destroys relationships, interferes with business objectives, and voids motivation.
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