Wah, L. M. (Director). (n.d.). Color of Fear [Video File]. Retrieved from
http://www.stirfryseminars.com/store/cast_cof.php
http://www.stirfryseminars.com/store/cast_cof.php
Skillings, Judith H., Dobbins, James E. (1991). Racism as a disease: Etiology and treatment
implications, Journal of counseling and development (70), 206-212.
Proctor, Enola K, Davis, Larry E. (1994). Racism as a disease: The challenge of racial difference:
Skills for Clinical Practice, Social Work (39:3), 314-323.
I found Color of Fear both moving and enlightening. First, Victor, David L., and David C. expressed such a breadth of emotion and eloquence in their discussion of race. Victor's speech at approximately 17min into the film when he shouts out to the room that he is considered "unpalatable to this goddamn nation…there is no American ethnicity…you give up your ethnicity to become American" is something that will stick with me. Victor's view of racism is consistent with Skilling, et al's discussion that racism is characterized by the belief that one group's heritage is superior and the "superior" group uses power to maintain their superiority. David's responses to Victor in the first hour or so of the film make it clear that David is guilty of white supremacy and racism as defined by Skilling. David just doesn't realize or want to acknowledge his power. David's position that Victor and other people of color are responsible for putting up the roadblocks between themselves and white people, that white men don't have the same camaraderie as people of color, and that his (David's) daughters are at a disadvantage because they aren't awarded extra points in the college application processes are all examples of David's covert racism.
As the Color of Fear drew towards its conclusion, I was confident that there was no hope for David. He was so firmly entrenched in his opinions, and so well cloaked in his white privilege that I didn't think he'd be able to move forward. When Wah asked David how he would feel if someone suggested his daughters work a little harder for those points I could see David begin to shift. I believe that David doesn't want to be racist, and his involvement in the film may have helped him think more broadly about race. Skilling, et al offer an approach that may have been helpful to David. Thinking about racism as a disease, something you're born with or catch vs. something you're at fault for, would be very healing for David. He's responsible for healing himself, but he's not at fault for being racist.
I recognized in my first blog and in my self-reflection essay that I have racist tendencies. Unlike David, at least in the beginning of the film, I do recognize my biases. I was very interested in Proctor and Davis's discussion on how to develop racially sensitive skills as I hope to work in a clinical setting. I think it is essential as a white person to recognize and acknowledge the profound segregation that still exists in our country. Segregation, by definition, prohibits understanding and cross-race communication. As a practitioner, I will have to approach clients that are of a different race than from a position of informed not knowing and seek ways to build trust.
