The unbearable lightness of our whiteness – a systemic invitation

We find ourselves at an unprecedented intersection of a global pandemic, ever-increasing socio-economic, political and relational polarisation and division, alongside an urgent reckoning with racism and structural inequity in society. While for many of us there is a longing for action, connection and solidarity, in reality we often find ourselves confronted with despair, paralysis, isolation and relational rupture. If we are committed to anti-racist practice and to striving for equity and inclusion, how then do we as white practitioners consider our whiteness and continue to act in line wth our commitments at this moment in time? While there are ever-growing resources to guide development of anti-racist practice and tackle white supremacy, I argue that a more systemic stance brings into view counter-practices that can foreground a deep focus on relationship and connection, which can foster ‘reasonable hope’, counter individualism and invite collective action, and reconnect us with joy and play.