Feb 15 2022 41 mins 4
Welcome to Part 2 of our deeply meaningful conversation with poet, activist, teaching artist, mental health advocate, and general queen, Natalie Patterson. Join us as we discuss the inevitability of death, how generational wealth is hoarded in already privileged families, and where the journey of unlearning needs to begin for white people. Natalie invokes a call to action for white women that aren't being curious enough about the Black experience, before sharing the anchor of compassion and tenderness that teaches us all so much about life; when we can be a witness and hold space for others. We talk about the importance of making conscious decisions with your short time here and how Instagram can be a teaching tool for self-growth and pushing your threshold of discomfort if used intentionally. We then dive into the urgency of teaching critical race theory, and how pervasive denial around the horrific reality of slavery keeps American citizens and leadership “comfortable” while blindly signing children up to a false reality. You'll also hear our discussion around white guilt versus the need to be disruptive and Natalie’s comments on the ability of technology to distract us from what matters most. Finally, we hear some parting quick-fire questions so we can get to know Natalie even better; and her answers don't disappoint! We hope you can join us for Part 2 of this crucial conversation!
Key Points From This Episode:
• Natalie starts with optimism that modern humans are capable of doing what needs to be done.
• There actually are enough awake white people to shift the tide: they just aren't bold enough.
• How the steps of uncomfortable learning don't compare to the constant discomfort of living as a Black person in America.
• A call for white women to be mindfully curious about the vastly different Black lives and experiences around them.
• How just witnessing and holding space for others teaches you so much about life.
• Addressing the redistribution of wealth, hoarding, and the nature of family.
• Talking about the inevitability of death and making conscious decisions while you are alive.
• Using Instagram to stay teachable by challenging your thoughts and judgments.
• The importance of tenderness and having sounding boards internally and in our communities.
• How we can create environments where BIPOC feel a sense of safety and belonging.
• Why teaching critical race theory is vital to stop denial about the horrifying truth of slavery.
• Enduring distrust of leadership in America, who pretend these issues aren't significant.
• Touching on white guilt versus the need to be disruptive.
• How having more compassion means that everybody wins.
• Some closing questions on Natalie's best and worst words, how community and tenderness turn her on, and what she'll hear the Pearly Gates.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Natalie Patterson on Instagram
Zoë Kors’ Links:
Zoë’s Book: Radical Intimacy
