One of the most counterintuitive truths about race and ethnicity: the struggle against it often makes it worse. Acceptance — clearly misunderstood — is one of the most powerful tools available.
What Acceptance of Race and Ethnicity Actually Means
Acceptance does NOT mean:
- Liking or approving of race and ethnicity
- Giving up on getting better
- Thinking race and ethnicity is okay
Acceptance DOES mean:
- Acknowledging race and ethnicity without adding unnecessary struggle against the fact of its existence
- Allowing race and ethnicity to be present without fighting it into bigger problems
- Making room for race and ethnicity while still living your values
The ACT Approach to Race and Ethnicity
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) uses acceptance as a core tool: instead of fighting race and ethnicity, you learn to make room for it while committing to valued action regardless.
The Paradox of Accepting Race and Ethnicity
Many people find that when they stop fighting race and ethnicity and simply allow it, it loses intensity. The suffering of race and ethnicity is partly the struggle against it.