ABSTRACT
This chapter describes Dr. Richard Schwartz's experience of being shamed for having racist thoughts and becoming curious about the parts who were responsible for those thoughts. Self-led conversations mobilize people to heal the injuries of racism at a personal and communal level. Conversations regarding race would be enriched if everyone noticed their polarity between racist parts and the parts who disapprove of racism, and could identify who dominates at any given time. Anti-racism workshops that aim to differentiate from, welcome and befriend all parts would help participants explore their inner conversations about race with self-energy. Once racist parts are identified, participants would have the opportunity to explore the motives of their parts rather than try to eliminate them. Schwartz's experience tells that participants would learn that racist protectors are good parts who have picked up bad behavior in an attempt to create safety. If so, they would find that their attachment to racism goes beyond and beneath socialization.
