STORIFYING UNIQUELY

John Stewart (2013). Dismantling Racism One on One: 

                                  Uniqueness, Narrative, Equity.

Stewart was a professor of communication for over 30 years...his best-selling book Bridges not Walls is in its 11th edition...he is part of a group i belong to called the International Listening Association's Spirituality Team.

Walt Fisher, Stewart's most influential teacher, said that all great ideas can be simply expressed...the great idea from this book is that racism can be dismantled by:

 listening first, 

sharing our personal unique life stories (Stewart calls this storifying--the import of stories to learn, understand, remember, process, and connect with others is primary), and 

inviting the other to do the same

(instead of relying on social stereotyping for our communications). 

The INVITATION and OFFERING are essential parts of the process of dialogue.


The next time you relate with someone, especially someone who is not like you (in any number of identity demographics), listen to what they say, respond with a personal unique story from your life, and invite them to do the same...be curious, see what you can learn from the other, and what they can learn from you.





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