National Conference On Racism In A Global Context

Transformation and Healing - A South African Experience

Les Fabre (ACED Academy, Consultancy)

This workshop is subtitled - 'What do you Know? The Ten Postcards'. It is a new approach for reflection, discussion and action by individuals and communities who struggle with the ghosts of Apartheid. This model prioritises how individuals transform their daily lives in communication with other agents despite the strength of past prejudices and structures.

How does it work? It invites all who struggle with racism to use the 'postcards' to examine their beliefs and practices on the matter; to do this in the company of at least one other person of a diverse cultural background; in circumstances of 'ideal speech'; and with the goal of reaching consensus. The format includes self-reflection, group analysis, role-play, music, dance and letter writing.

This workshop has been run for teachers in schools in South Africa in 2007 (KZN) and has been modified for inclusion in the curriculum of a Perth high school. It has its source in the doctoral thesis of the presenter.

Session 7, Stream 4

Date & Time: Saturday 10 November (1.15pm)

Location : CM Lounge

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Creating a double edged sword to slay the beast within

Tracy Pollett (Edmund Rice Centre for Social Justice)

This workshop examines the impact of subtle racism and contends that it is even more devastating than its obvious forms.Racism creates a double burden: that imposed by others, and internalised self-policing, self-critique and self-loathing.This workshop will navigate the maze of this complex web of double jeopardy that imperils body and soul alike.Finally, successful strategies for transcending this Beast will be explored.

This workshop is expected to be highly interactive and participatory.

Session 7, Stream 4

Date & Time: Saturday 10 November (2.05pm)

Location : CM Lounge