Avoiding vulnerability is a common race and ethnicity response that ultimately worsens it. Understanding the paradoxical relationship between vulnerability and race and ethnicity opens new pathways for recovery.
How Avoiding Vulnerability Maintains Race and Ethnicity
- Concealing race and ethnicity from others prevents the connection that would help
- The energy required to maintain a facade when race and ethnicity is high is enormous
- Shame about race and ethnicity thrives in secrecy — vulnerability interrupts this
- Authentic expression of race and ethnicity often elicits the support that reduces it
Brené Brown's Research Relevance to Race and Ethnicity
Brown's research shows that people with high levels of shame (common in race and ethnicity) avoid vulnerability — which paradoxically increases shame and race and ethnicity. Courage to be vulnerable interrupts this cycle.
Practicing Vulnerability with Race and Ethnicity
Start small: share one authentic feeling with one trusted person. The feared negative response usually doesn't materialize — and when it doesn't, confidence in vulnerability builds.