On Being with Krista Tippett john a. powell — Opening to the Question of Belonging
May 10, 2018
In this engaging discussion, john a. powell, a legal scholar and director at UC Berkeley, illuminates the complex dynamics of race and belonging. He likens race to gravity—ubiquitous yet often misunderstood. Powell emphasizes the need to address both Black and White identities to foster deeper connections. He advocates for collective action and transformative community dynamics, linking love and policy to societal wellbeing. With insights from neuroscience, he encourages living interconnectedly while challenging our implicit biases to create a more inclusive world.
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Race as Gravity
- Race is complex and relational, like gravity, with few truly understanding it.
- It's evolved from "colored" to "Negro" to "Black" to "African American", highlighting its changing nature.
The Unconscious and Race
- The unconscious mind plays a significant role in how we perceive and respond to race.
- Our minds naturally categorize, contradicting the ideal of pure individuality.
Whose History?
- During a lecture, a student questioned the relevance of Native American history in a non-Native American studies course.
- john powell responded that they were studying American history, emphasizing the interconnectedness of racial histories.
