Page 388 - Mike Ratner CC - WISR Complete Dissertation - v6

during his attendance. The reasons why some people continue to participate in dialogues on race

matters and why others do not, while not the focus of this research, is an area for further study.

African American and Multiracial participants used the dialogues to share their stories and

by doing so within the comfort of a supportive collective, affirmed one another as they unburdened

themselves by making past hurts and evidence of discrimination known. Because there often were

women attendees representing young, middle age and older age cohorts, the dialogues presented

an opportunity for cross generational bonding and opportunities of younger women to compare

their experiences with others in attendance. Multiracial participants contributed accounts about

their dual identities and of being ridiculed by Whites if they appeared too Black. Multiracial

participants also described similar treatment from fellow African Americans for having features

(lighter skin, non-brown eyed, straight hair) that made them appear “Whiter”. The “heart stories,

hurt stories” recounted and shared by dialogue participants who convened on the topic of race

created opportunities for new understanding and appreciation of how implicit bias exists in

everyday life and how racism and discrimination operated across a span of time. The dialogues

allowed painful stories to purposely emerge and promoted real sharing, listening and reflection.

Storytelling requires a listening audience. Through storytelling “heart stories, hurt stories”

provoked deep listening and reflection using a sustained dialogue format that supported change

and the possibility for shifts and transformation of thoughts and beliefs. Movement and shifts in

perception were fostered through listening to stories told by members of the dialogue group that

challenged long held beliefs and invited reflection, prompting new understandings and change. A

White male participant, after attending two dialogue sessions and making comments that elicited

strong reactions from other dialogue attendees because he seemed dismissive and insensitive, made

this comment after a period of reflection that reflected a desire to shift: “I pretty much thought

369