Secular Religion at UVM An Answer and a Question

[@mr.pickle6744]

Pay attention, THIS IS WHAT A HERO LOOKS LIKE!!!

[@4e616d65]

Social "justice" has all the hallmarks of a cult. Accept without question, obey without hesitation, and never go against the dogma.

[@zmw4723]

And so does Trumpism. However, that doesn't mean that all the people who voted for Trump bought into the cult of believing everything he says. Many conservatives supported him because he supported ideas that would help them financially, or because they agreed with some of his social positions. Likewise, not everyone standing up for social justice is a far left, mindless conformist. Many of us do not support socialism, nor look for reasons to be offended, nor desire to shut down public discourse with those whom we disagree. There are still many moderate liberal thinkers out there. Which is why Biden got the nomination - many people who are moderately left not wanting the Demratic party or our country to go down the AOC path.

[@mikecheatwood713]

IM PART INDIAN AND PART WHITE I GUESS I NEED TO DUMB DOWN FOR ANYONE WHO IS NOT WHITE OR JUMP ON THE SIDE OF WHITE RACIST AGAINST MY ANSESTORS, THE CHK. INDIANS. V MONT COLLEGE CLEAN HOUSE AND GET PEOPLE WHO WANT TO TEACH COMMON SENSE AND R.W.A. AND FIRE ALL STAFF WHO ARE SO DAMN IGNORANT!!!!!!! RUN AN ADD FOR A REAL TEACHER AND SCHOOL FACULTY WHO WANTS TO WORK NOT KISS A. WITH ANY PARTICULAR RACE.

[@K-j2024]

Anything based on shaming people and accusing/condemning people without any room for forgiveness, is suspect and must be resisted. Keep going.

[@NearysTopofthepops]

And extremely anti-therapeutic.

[@williamfriar6295]

On a side note, what should we be forgiven for? Being born with white skin?

[@esvedium]

"Will I resign....? No. Not a chance. Haven't even thought about it for a second." THIS is the right answer to an online wokescold hate mob. Don't give them an inch. Deny the pretense of their argument. Never give up, never surrender. Aaron, people are behind you, and beside you in this fight. Stay strong, you are NOT alone!!!

[@dtaylor6000]

This is integrity and real academia. Take note wokies. There’s million of us and we’ve had it!

[@christophercarpenter4583]

We're grateful for your willingness to speak up, and to do so in such a thoughtful and compassionate manner.

[@missyleahy]

I applaud you. Thank you for not staying silent.

[@somethingawesome9547]

You're a hero. I am from the middle east.

[@theponderingprofessor]

I am an academic too. If academia becomes more and more corrupt it will implode. People will lose all trust in the system and it will fall. You have done nothing wrong.

[@mahguvnah7403]

It won't implode. it will simply be controlled by those who wish to see white people destroyed.

[@angelaj8958]

@@mahguvnah7403 it is imperative that alternate academic and medical facilities be established asap

[@dawsonmurray4188]

Keep up the good work sir. We need Professors like you.

[@cMercedesb]

I love you. Knowing professors like you exist give me hope. Don’t give into the mob💜💜

[@MJS2376]

BRAVE BRAVE BRAVE BRAVE BRAVE! THIS IS WHAT COURAGE LOOKS LIKE!

[@Ryan-wp6vr]

This is a perfect example of the “open” dialogue that can happen on campuses like UVM’s. At first it was an effort to silence genuinely bad people. Next, an attempt to eliminate conservative voices. Now, not even the moderately liberal can’t voice policy concerns without fear of retaliation. Bravo, UVM.

[@firebug3256]

It's great isn't it? Those "moderate liberals" created this monster by applauding this censorship years ago when it was only affecting "genuinely bad" people they disliked and now this monster that they created to "silence genuinely bad people" has grown up and is starting to bite back. Fuck them. Fuck the "moderate left". They helped make this mess and they deserve everything they have coming for them. "Then they came for me, and there was no one left to speak for me." Now that "moderate liberals" have gotten their wish and silenced the so-called "genuinely bad people", now the censors are coming for the moderates, and you can bet your ass no one is going to speak up for those whiny, ineffectual, milquetoast dumbasses. I'm going to enjoy watching "moderate liberals" who cheered this censorship on just a few years ago get theirs.

[@jonathansanders3577]

Bad ass response sir. Much respect. Thank you again for your bravery and energy.

[@applesandbacon]

Thank you for not giving in to this incredibly asinine effort to remove you for having an opinion. There is not a single thing that you said in your previous video, or in this one, that demonstrates a lack of concern for the existence of discriminatory practices (or racism); in fact quite the opposite. The attempts to remove you only highlight the narrow mindedness, and lack of critical thinking that is all too prevalent in the creation of ideologically homogeneous campus policy. This is another great and thought provoking video, and the questions you presented are certainly worthy of concern. Also, they are refreshingly free from being dependent on a particular ideological structure as a prerequisite for them to make sense. Keep doing what you’re doing!

[@Chasmodee1]

Many of us fought for your right to express your valid opinion. You are doing the right thing. I do believe many of us will have to fight again to restore the rights that are being taken from us. Fear not, there are tens of millions of people behind you, even if they are are afraid to speak.

[@gemox3225]

You should definitely not back down. You are in the right!

[@jameskirgan1605]

Watching and supporting from down under. Well played sir

[@100marymich]

Massive Kudos for Professor Aaron Kindsvatter at the University of Vermont for standing up against the Mob Rule Ignoramuses.

[@amommamust]

Much respect. I hope you are beginning to see that most of modern "mental health care" is a lot like a religion, too. Stay strong, truth needs told.

[@brendanclancy4313]

You Rock professor. Thank you for speaking up for me. I’m getting destroyed for having the same philosophy. God Bless you. Vermont needs to WTFU 🤬‼️

[@JodiShawMusicianPoet]

Thank you Aaron for standing up for yourself and for others who are not able to. You are an inspiration.

[@judgmentcareUSA]

I appreciate your stance and videos. Just watched you on the DERSHOW.

[@jankragt7789]

Thanks. Keep applying your discipline appropriately as you are. It gives me hope that one small corner has not been captured. And keep using your best instinct and intellect. Excellent insights. I love you. Speaking truth to power.

[@USARonin]

Bravo, professor. Stand your ground.

[@175epi]

It's easy for a group to congratulate themselves for their righteousness when they're playing a game in which they get to define all of the words, assign all the labels, and change the rules whenever they want. It's also a sign of intellectual weakness and deep insecurity. Keep standing, no matter what -- because even if you "apologize deeply," they'll still seek your ruin and never let anyone forget The Bad Thing you did. Stick it out, and keep punching back -- there is a multitude of people who still believe in reason, and who are cheering you on at this moment.

[@izzymarie1866]

we had faith in u dawg

[@zach11900]

They had us in the first half, not gonna lie. You were so close to being self aware for a sec there lmao

[@dtaylor6000]

EXACTLY! The woke mob will never forgive. They only want to see you grovel. On top of that - when you give a fake apology - you then look like an insincere coward to those of us who support you. Never waiver. ALL racism is wrong!

[@ceciliegamstberg90]

Hi, Aaron! I just saw you on The Blaze. Excellent! Courage is contagious. You mentioned to Beck that you wanted to find out more about what really went on in Nazi Germany. Have you read In the Garden of Beasts and Ordinary Men?

[@georgeziffo6412]

Fantastic Aaron. This is one of the most powerful rejoinders I have seen in the face of the moral zealots who are nothing more than bullies. Don't let them grind you down, you are doing a tremendous service to the profession.

[@rogeranderson4134]

Stay strong, Professor Kindsvatter. You are speaking the truth.

[@janmariolle]

I really enjoyed your interview with Benjamin Boyce.

[@roguevector5284]

People should only be pressured to resigned over egregious racism, rather than things that somehow take 5+ paragraphs to how it is 'racist'. The term racist should be reserved for those who act as explicitly as racist.

[@quietbarringaluminum]

It's unbelievable that completely reasonable, thoughtful, and balanced intellectual critique has led to bullying and calls for resignation. Good for you for not bending to the mob. CSJ isn't a valid academic "theory" when it becomes unfalsifiable and unquestionable. It has become essentially a full-on ideology (as referenced in your previous video). As a counseling student with similar concerns, it's reassuring to to hear your takes here, and I really appreciate it.

[@tmay1975]

Stay strong, professor!!

[@sherilynmatthans]

Speaking out and attempting to practice and apply individualism is now a sin, this path of collectivism is so dangerous.

[@zoso73]

It's cultural communism, pure and simple. And economic communism is not far behind ...

[@rustyspigot1876]

I've been in a similar position and not only didn't push back, actually caught myself giving a class presentation on "toxic masculinity is a straight white male dynamic". That was it for me. I don't think people really get how far out on a limb this guy is going. Inspired by his bravery.

[@glanee5487]

Thank you for your work. We are so grateful for your courage at this time. (Please get a good microphone.)

[@doriseckel2531]

Do not resign, Sir, we need people like you, brave enough to speak up, there are many who agree with you!

[@d.j.tweets375]

The level of the sound recording in this video is way too low - even with the volume maxed-out I can barely hear it.

[@wildemind1]

Whatever you do, please DO NOT RESIGN!!! Be brave. There are many who will support you! Critical Race Theory is pseudo-science!

[@chriswalker2892]

Thank you for your bravery and speaking the plain truth. I fear for America’s future when unchecked nonsense proliferates in academia and corporate workplaces. It’s outcome is further division and more hatred among people. Have we not had enough? Truthfully the concept of race should not exist - we are one human race with varying degrees of skin tone and minor other differences. Let’s focus on unity and help those that did not get a fair shot in life , both light skinned and dark. Let’s build up each other rather than developing hostile camps of hatred inspired by the current mantras. Thanks for getting the ball rolling.

[@invin7215]

This is so important, thank you for making these videos. I've subscribed and hope you make more.

[@Rooples]

I truly respect this guy, standing up against an extremely liberal social norm at probably one of the most leftist universities cannot be easy in any way.

[@johncocksmith2693]

Dr. Kindsvatter, please trying collaborating with the likes of Brett and Heather Weinstein (DarkHorse Podcast), Eric Weinstein (The Portal Podcast), Jordan Peterson, James Lindsay (New Discourses), etc. We need more PhD's to come together and save the integrity of academic institutions.

[@izzymarie1866]

with a last name like that i just can't take u seriously which is okay because everything u said sucks so

[@ruthdelroy6004]

Thank you for your bravery in speaking out - this reminds of 1930s Germany and how normal citizens were silenced - allowing an evil regime to grow and turn into the monster of the 20th century. I was hoping we were beyond all of this kind of Macarthyist mindset.

[@nickmagrick7702]

your not alone, but I think you already know that. Its madness, and we've in the process of being convinced its otherwise. good question at the end

[@ScottStevenErickson]

I suspect that the therapists who signed the petition probably use the same types of techniques with their clients as the characters played by Ryan Long in his satirical comedy sketches.

[@williamfriar6295]

Wake up, folks. It’s later than you think.

[@judgmentcareUSA]

PLEASE consider increasing your audio level on future videos.

[@RickMcCargar]

Never genuflect to the mob. It helps no one and every time the race-hustlers win, everyone else loses.

[@nrqed]

Not all super heroes wear capes.

[@nrqed]

I am a college professor living nearby, just north of the border. I admire you, sir. You have courage, wisdom and integrity, qualities that are extremely rare in college and university teachers these days. I am appalled and ashamed to see how the majority of my colleagues (even in my fields of physics and mathematics) lack the critical thinking or courage to speak up about the lunacy of critical race theory. If the border was not closed, I would drive south and go thank you in person!

[@caroline4440]

Please speak out

[@Ryan-wp6vr]

Is there a process these policies need to go through to get passed? Is there space in the process for students and faculty to voice these concerns at a publicly warned meeting? Who votes on whether or not the policies are passed? Is there a more practical and impactful place for this debate to occur?

[@creayoga]

When I try to click on "all" or "personalized" notifications icon for this KZbinr, it stays on "none." A box comes up saying that function is turned off for videos made for kids. Maybe there's some way to clarify to KZbin that it's not for kids and that would correct the issue.

[@walkermedr]

I support you 100%

[@miamiexplorer6451]

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

[@vehementlyflat8503]

would love if you spoke a bit louder in your vids. you are saying things so well it's just a bit hard to hear. I'm sorry you are being attacked, you are on a very important side of history, stay strong.

[@TheFloridaprepper]

@Adam T Very true. Democrats supported racism and slavery back then, just like they do today. They wanted to lynch abolitionists like this guy. Good point.

[@sinephase]

I got all my volume maxed out and you're still kinda quiet. Might want to boost that a bit :)

[@joeoettinger]

The sound volume on this video is way down and I can't turn it up. It's not my computer. Other videos play with normal sound. Technical problem?

[@vehementlyflat8503]

check out a channel called Salty Cracker for a mood boost, he's a comedian who takes on all this nightmare woke to the state of abuse stuff -- and he's great at it.

[@kjellbjrnasmo480]

This is a great response 👏🏻

[@PrincessCasserole]

I’ve been having tons of mental health issues and internalizing of these toxic messages including anxiety and suicidal ideation

[@jankragt7789]

Focus on other things most of the time. You must manage you online time. Find activities you enjoy. Take care of yourself first.

[@zmw4723]

You can't take everything that everyone says personally. If they're talking about "white people" in general, they may or may NOT be talking about you. Determine if you are doing your best. If you’re not, strive to make progress. If you are, keep striving. If you analyze what people say about you, rationally, you can determine if there is any accuracy to it, if you're being honest with yourself. If there's no validity to it, ignore it.

[@modvs1]

Audio is a tad low.

[@psyskeptic9979]

I agree with you Aaron. Stay strong.

[@cadaankaa]

Hang in there. Let them show their evil. If you step down, they win without fully revealing the fullness of their evil.

[@seattlepoke]

Love your question! Now you’ve put the onus on them as professional mental health experts. Do they choose to put you over the edge? Or, do they have empathy and seek to help?

[@ethanstump8548]

as an outsider hearing about this, what ideas and ideologies are being pushed exactly that are problematic?

[@user-qb8cy8ho9d]

I believe it's in the realm of CRT theory.

[@EnlightenmentExponent]

thank you for what you do, but please like I told Jody Shaw when she started making videos do something about jacking up your volume. Thx. Keep up the good work 😀

[@treesart6914]

Academics who engage in petitions and open letters against colleagues are disgusting. The lowest of the low.

[@mitchhughsie2.023]

Absolute legend. Thanks for your vids, they're an inspiration

[@robhodge1890]

Be careful with how you answer questions. People can take your answers out of context and use it against you.

[@illreportbackinabit.8514]

Don't be careful, speak the truth. Careful speech only encourages the hate.

[@theviledelinquent3920]

@@illreportbackinabit.8514 speak wisely, but truthfully and passionately.

[@theviledelinquent3920]

@@t4t359 lol, as if the constitution or the law matters anymore.

[@jankragt7789]

Keep your eye on truth; don't be distracted by fear. Don't be afraid of walking on egg shells. Make it a practice to do your best, but don't demand perfection. There are no perfect words that don't offend a movement that is out to CONTROL. A ton of of people are acting like devils under the tutelage of this movement. Don't become like them. Challenge them.

[@robhodge1890]

@@illreportbackinabit.8514 at around 4:07 he was talking in the first person about a hypothetical. Yes, people should be careful in how they answer questions as that could easily be taken out of context. If the objective is to create change through the hearts and minds of others, we must be more tactful and not give the opposition more disingenuous political ammunition.

[@jamesmiller4184]

What empowers this as under laying, will have no truck with reason nor right words. Ever! It's aim is but ONE single objective solely. In the popular film "The Terminator," hero Reese explains with most exuberant sincerity, to frightened-stiff Sarah Connor, just what her pursuing terror-machine is and intends: "IT can't be bargained with, IT can't be reasoned with. IT doesn't feel pity or remorse or fear and IT absolutely will not stop, ever, until you are DEAD!!" These lines describe exactly what it is that you, Professor and others like you, are dealing-with and, not a minute of a degree less is it inapplicable. Make no mistake about this fact for if you do, in no way then are you to prevail or survive. This same warning applies to ALL of the sociopolitical mad upset and engineers of it, that is transpiring presently in our very sick and twisted modern "New World" of astoundingly perverse order. It might be noted for additional acquiral of such requisite gain, that in the movie "Goldfinger," when Bond is strapped to the gurney fearing greatly the cutting laser-beam headed for his privates -- threatening to burn him in-two, Goldfinger exclaims imperiously one of the greater and more memorable lines (along with Reese's) in all of movie-dialogue history . . . "Mr. Bond, you do not understand! We are NOT interested in your cooperation!! We want you DEAD!!!" And likewise in-two and so does our present Enemy of greatest efficiency, and determined lethality. It is way-past-time that silly delusions of possible rapprochement with this THING, are to be abided. Words-to-the-wise should prove as sufficient, to the accomplishment of the task required.

[@caseyworthington7092]

Excellent, excellent response. Don't give into the mob. Fight back. You have my admiration and respect, Sir.

[@TheReasonWeLearn]

It's not secular if its religion. Just say it's religion, because it has everything religion has: dogma, rituals, faith in the supposedly "unknowable," rejection of empiricism, and apostasy.

[@dandewsnap2677]

@@Farmer_Jon_ you may be right, but it is filling the god shaped hole in society.

[@jordandthornburg]

@@Farmer_Jon_ It’s got a lot in common, not with religion itself, but more of a religious cult.

[@jordandthornburg]

@PopClip No they don’t. You just made that up

[@mantasvilunas2636]

@@jordandthornburg most off this anti-racist stuff IS just big words that mean nothing

[@bill9923]

I'm glad I'm on the back 9 of life. This shit is giving me a headache. Woe to the young and the future they face at the hands of cultural Marxism should it succeed.

[@TodayFreedom]

Aaron. The overwhelming of all people who aren’t engaged in this perverse ideological war support you. Which is to say, the overwhelming majority of people in society from all walks of life.You have the support of all sane and moderate individuals. Vermont- your conduct is despicable, cowardly, and not the mark of an institution of learning. You’ve embraced the most appalling ideological trend in modern history. A trend that has only succeeded in one area: deepening and exaggerating racial divides at the expense of moderation. It is absolutely horrific to think that a place of learning has been hijacked by such a frightening trend. Your response is violence, and we (ordinary members of the public) find it deeply, deeply frightening. In the first wave of this violence people caved in and took the bullying and the harassment just to keep a job. Not any more. You cannot hound and harass people and label them and expect us all to let you get away with it. It’s absolutely shameful.

[@sub-harmonik]

oh look an adult

[@BigHailFan]

Do not ever give in to the mob.

[@Doutsoldome]

Constructive criticism, here: your audio seems to be too low. Do not let technicalities such as this get in the way of your content being heard. We need voices like yours. Therefore -- *_louder, please!_*

[@zmw4723]

I don't understand why you say that your last video was racist according to Kindi's definition. Your last video was so vague that I couldn't possibly make a judgement on your position, because there was no clearly articulated position. Please make a video with far more specifics about what you are opposed to and why. If you can't be more articulate about your ideas, then you probably should resign as a university professor, not for being racist, but for being unqualified.

[@krisnaylor9488]

Bravery!

[@ZYYXYZY]

Based.

[@fjp3305]

Don't resign

[@TheLotionInTheBasket]

don't bow to the woke mob. it's probably hard, but there is nothing to gain there.

[@alexandersolzhenitsyn5303]

White is not a crime

[@illreportbackinabit.8514]

Prepare to be canceled and have your career eviscerated by the woke class.

[@keithkennedy4298]

That sounds like a call for help. I assume that if you are in distress of some kind, you know enough to seek counsel. Do you think that the people who feel you are ill suited for your current job are responsible for providing you with counsel?

[@NearysTopofthepops]

But what about the question he asked? Is it possible to answer the question in good faith without attempting to discredit the speaker? To me, it's such a fundamental question and goes to the very heart of the therapeutic relationship. Any therapist who is not asking themselves and others this question is probably being negligent.

[@keithkennedy4298]

@@NearysTopofthepops He asked a question about how a therapist would interact with a patient. What does that have to do with the questions at hand? The University is trying to address long standing inequities in our country. He (apparently) perceives this as an attack upon him personally. It's not clear to me whether he even agrees there is a problem that we might want to recognize and address.

[@jordandthornburg]

@@keithkennedy4298 do you know what critical race theory advocates and teaches?

[@istvanfoy-roberts868]

@@keithkennedy4298 It is an attack on him personally. That's why CRT is wrong.

[@keithkennedy4298]

@@istvanfoy-roberts868 It is not an attack on him personally. That's what he (and you I believe) misunderstand. I believe POC are disadvantaged. I think that is wrong. I think people who fail to see that, or who see that and do nothing, are doing something wrong. So, I say that. They feel attacked. How do I approach this without "making them feel personally attacked"? I don't know. But I won't sit by and do nothing. I know people don't want to recognize the ugly parts of America. Me neither. But .....

[@marylynch2225]

you can be depressed ~and~ racist lol

[@Hoganbrosexc]

You should resign!

[@hollym735]

My answer to your question about mental health and when to tell someone they are a racist. Simply calling someone a racist, even if their comments or actions might be considered racist, is not an effective way to start a conversation about racism, regardless of their emotional state. In regards to racism, it is common for our ego to desire superiority and our ego fulfills this by recognizing the otherness of people. We can often have a strong identification with our race and in turn be impacted by those positive and negative associations. Recognizing our egoic thoughts will help us to understand our ego, how it conditions our mind, and grows racism in ourselves. Recognizing our racism isn’t something we should be ashamed of because it has been created by the human mind and it is something we can learn to recognize and change within ourselves. My question would be, how do conversations about racism, antiracism, and whiteness make you feel in the moment? Sit with that feeling and watch your thoughts. Awareness might help all of us to better understand ourselves, others, and racism. I am sure youtube is not the best platform for these conversations because social media is typically a place for quick impressions, fast response, and breeds defensive behavior, but I hope I am wrong.

[@anabelrodriguez5418]

@H M I agree that recognizing our racism should not be shameful, but this applies when racism actually occurs and I am the perpetrator. I can't tell from your paragraph if this is your view, but I've heard this phrase used to "soften the blow" of the assertion that the default state is racism (paraphrasing Robin DiAngelo: don't ask IF racism took place, but HOW did racism manifest). The phrase comes in handy because we as a society associate racism with "bad", so if you assert that I'm a racist because I'm white in a white-dominant society then you can tell me it's okay to be called a racist because it does not make me a bad person and I should not be ashamed. I just need to work on my "natural" racist tendencies. I disagree with this. Being racist DOES make you a worse person, which is why you should work on it to be a better person. And because being called a racist is an accusation, it must be shown that I was in fact being racist in a particular interaction, otherwise I am innocent until proven guilty. Being racist is not a default state, especially not for a particular group of people (i.e. "whites"). This is my problem with the idea of "antiracism" because it is founded on the assertion that racism is the default state, which is why Kendi says we need to continually behave in "antiracist" ways (e.g. saying antiracist things, supporting antiracist policies, "educating yourself"...) to make sure we don't slip up and do a racist thing without "meaning to". This is the exact same tactic Christians use to keep their followers. Christians say, as a human you are born a sinner (antiracists: you are born racist, but only if you're white in a white-dominant society I guess... because apparently blacks and non-whites can not be racist...) and you have to be constantly vigilant of your sinful nature by going to church, reading the bible (antiracists: you must say and support antiracist things, always be learning about racism or "educate yourself"). So the result is a state of perpetual vigilance and repentance about your racist (or sinful) nature. This is why I'm not religious anymore, because assigning bad traits to yourself as a consequence of being born is a very dangerous game to play, and it's so unhealthy to your psyche. If other's want to do that, go for it. But it should be kept out of government and education, like all other religions. To answer your question: "My question would be, how do conversations about racism, antiracism, and whiteness make you feel in the moment?" Conversations about antiracism and whiteness makes me feel annoyed because those concepts are racist, and now I feel obliged to engage in a lengthy conversation as to why those concepts are racist and unhealthy. In regard to conversations about racism (if we use the traditional definition of racism: "the belief that different races possess distinct characteristics, abilities, or qualities, especially so as to distinguish them as inferior or superior to one another"), I've been having those conversations my entire life, which includes agreeing AND disagreeing with others' perceptions about whether something done to them was racist or not. Saying that white people are racist due to the fact that they live in a white-dominant society is by definition a racist statement, because you are saying that "whites" possess the characteristic of being racist which distinguishes them as inferior (they are inferior because racism is bad). Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.

[@hollym735]

@@anabelrodriguez5418 Thank you for sharing your thoughts about the philosophy of antiracism with me and I appreciate all the time your spent, which is why I wanted to take a moment to respond. I know much of your comment was addressing arguments you have heard, not arguments I presented in my comment, so I’ll share my thoughts on those as well. I want to clarify, like you, I don’t believe it is okay to accept racism in oneself. However, it is common to have racist ideas and recognizing these ideas is the only way to address them in oneself and then work to change them. There are so many different levels of racism and many of the racist ideas or stereotypical ideas are not part of my conscious thought and so I may not be aware of how it is impacting my thoughts and decision making. Being ashamed to face our racist ideas is not helpful and can lead to defensive behavior. I know the fear of being labeled racist, it is understandable, but not an excuse for me to not look inward and seek out greater consciousness of my thoughts. For me, the act of watching my thoughts, seeking awareness, is not connected to a religion. I don’t believe we are born racist, however, I think we are conditioned by our culture and reaffirmed by our environment and our actions to have racists thoughts and ideas. I want to assure you that antiracism is not the belief that only white people are capable of racist thoughts, in fact it is the opposite. Kendi himself explains, “When I began writing Stamped from the Beginning, I must confess that I held quite a few racist ideas. Yes, me. I’m an African American. I’m a historian of African Americans. But it’s important to remember that racist ideas are ideas. Anyone can produce them or consume them”. I suggest reading Stamped because the book goes into many examples of people from many different races who had racist beliefs including W.E.B. DuBois. I think you may find it interesting. “Assigning bad traits to [people] as a consequence of being born” is exactly the racist opinion against black people, and other minorities, that many political leaders manipulated to build the laws of our government hundreds of years ago and we are still seeing the effects of today. I say it is too late to keep these conversations about racism out of the government because these conversations built our government and it is exactly why we have these conversations to begin with. I know that many people fear white oppression, but why does seeking justice for all equate to that? Justice for all is to prevent anyone from being oppressed, including black people, indigenous communities, people of color, and white people.

[@anabelrodriguez5418]

@@hollym735 Thank you for such a well thought out response. I would say that overall I agree with your points, but some of the points you are making are not exactly consistent with CRT. Some things are, some aren't, so I wanted to make a few brief comments on this for each of your paragraphs but it turned out to be longer than expected! I hope you have the time to read it. "I want to clarify, like you, I don’t believe it is okay to accept racism in oneself. " I overall agree with your views in this paragraph and I think many people today would agree with you. Seeking self-awareness is very important, and of course is not limited to racism. But CRT is not about encouraging individuals to seek self-awareness in the way you are describing. CRT tells you what that self-awareness should be. I always take caution when people make claims that behaviors in me are motivated by "unconscious" ideas and then they proceed to tell me what those unconscious ideas are is if they're truths. While it is certainly true that many of our motivations are "unconscious" (which is why self-awareness is even a thing, to look into those motivations within ourselves), what I think is not helpful about CRT is that they assert what those motivations are for certain behaviors. Even worse, one can not disagree that certain assertions are not true or actually racist because 1) that proves your "white fragility", 2) your participating in "Privilege-Preserving Epistemic Pushback", 3) or if your a "non-white", you are showing "False consciousness". Having no way to argue your own perspective with CRT ideas is what makes it a religion. The end result is that, understandably, people don't like to be told what their motivations are, that's for individuals to determine within themselves, and so nuanced arguments like yours are now more likely to get dismissed because your arguments are now associated with CRT, and frankly it's a waste of time to engage in conversations that are one-way as is the case with CRT. This is another reason why I think CRT does not contribute productively to conversations on race, because it's not a conversation but "Truth" being disseminated to the ignorant. I would be more open to engaging with CRT ideas if I was allowed to disagree and not be called a racist. Name calling is dishonest conversation. "I don’t believe we are born racist, however, I think we are conditioned by our culture and reaffirmed by our environment and our actions to have racists thoughts and ideas." You are correct that Kendi does not prescribe to the idea that blacks can not be racist (probably because he actually was overtly racist and does not deny it). However, almost all other thought leaders in CRT do prescribe to blacks can't be racist because racism = prejudice + power, and blacks don't have power. We are discussing semantics a bit here, but I think it's important. Robin Di'Angelo would agree with your statement, but realize that saying (not you, I understand you didn't say whites specifically): "whites are conditioned to be racist" vs "whites are born racist" is not very different. Robin argues that whites can not escape their racist conditioning, so they always need to work on it. Which is why she says that bit of "it's not IF racism occurs, but HOW it manifested". Basically, it does not matter if you're "born" or "conditioned" to be racist, the point is that the default state is that if you're white, you are a racist. I also take caution in others trying to control my thoughts and ideas, meaning I can have racist thoughts and ideas, but as long as I don't discriminate and hurt others that's for me to deal with. Policing other people's thoughts and ideas is a risky business (a.k.a. religion...). I'm all for engaging in conversation about what thoughts and ideas may be "good" or "bad", but the ideas in CRT are not open for discussion. Kendi writes in his book "How to be an antiracist" that an anti-racist amendment should be added which includes a non-elected group of "experts" deciding what is/is not racist policy and then take disciplinary action for public officials who express racist ideas as decided by the experts. I can link that quote from his book if you're not familiar. " “Assigning bad traits to [people] as a consequence of being born” is exactly the racist opinion against black people, and other minorities, that many political leaders manipulated to build the laws of our government hundreds of years ago and we are still seeing the effects of today." Exactly, so we should not do it towards whites now. I completely agree with your statement "Justice for all is to prevent anyone from being oppressed, including black people, indigenous communities, people of color, and white people." But this is not what CRT preaches. Kendi writes in his book "How to be an antiracist" that it's okay to discriminate as long as it produces racial equity. I will never agree to discriminating based on race because it does not provide justice for all. This is why people fear white oppression, because Kendi explicitly condones it. Overtly racist policies should certainly be removed from government, but racist thoughts and ideas are not the business of the government. It's for individuals to engage openly in their societies over coffee or dinner. The sooner we can engage in conversations about race where people don't feel like bad people for expressing their ideas or asking questions, the sooner we can move along. CRT is not this at all.

[@jankragt7789]

@@anabelrodriguez5418 Christianity is not the simple formula you outline; Protestants were/are a huge movement to stand against such works-righteousness as you describe -- based on Biblical understandings. Woke is a fast and loose perversion of superficially understood Christian mentalities in some ways. But it has no redemption or forgiveness. It is a road to hell on earth. The idea of sin is not spoken of much now a days, but not talking about the realities of the human behavior and condition, as we now see clearly, does not answer the problems of the human condition. Christian understandings of the human reality are still competitively successful against secular & other religious beliefs on offer, even when combined with unbelief in a life after death (as some do), and Christianity has proven itself over a great deal of human history.

[@clunkervich]

KZbin is not therapeutic space. The expectation that therapists have to respond empathetically to your personal issues being aired in a public space is ridiculous. Of course we would build rapport and attempt to understand the layers of what is going on with this “client.” Of course we would not reject them as a human or as a client. Aaaaaand if their behavior is harming us or the relationship then we address the behavior. Aaron, your peers and your students have been trying to talk about your behavior with you for years. You are not a bad person AND your behavior is harming some of the people around you and you seem to be completely unaccountable. It’s disappointing and confusing as hell. This honestly feels like a social experiment more than anything and it’s drawing too much attention away from more important issues.

[@NearysTopofthepops]

In the therapeutic space, there is nothing more important than the relationship between therapist and client and Aaron is trying to open up a discussion on one of the foundation stones of the relationship. I'm nervous about words like "harm". What could the client say about these issues that might harm the therapist?

[@clunkervich]

@@NearysTopofthepops I am just speaking to behavior in more general terms. Behavior can be described as relationship disrupting and often is addressed in psychodynamic work.

[@jacksonhall206]

👏👏👏👏

[@NearysTopofthepops]

Ah. The question was quite specific. I didn't realise you were giving a generalised response.

[@jordandthornburg]

It’s harming others around him. Ok prove that. Also are those pushing for his resignation harming him?

[@micpom8460]

You cannot rationalize abnormal thoughts through logical means - you're only wasting your time and energy.

[@JPOkal]

Trying to get yourself one of those Brett Weinstein podcasts, are ya??

[@NearysTopofthepops]

How about answering his question? Surely every client deciding on a therapist to work with needs to know how their therapist will respond to this issue.

[@josephgammora3405]

Thanks so much for giving a continued voice and a platform to white fragility.

[@johnreggie7797]

You think you’re cool for saying that don’t you.

[@cheezybrotherstudios]

Baby brain

[@abaigealcarroll81]

depression is not an excuse to be racist.

[@Muonium1]

YOU are the bigot.

[@johncharles2782]

To be militant of this antiracism philosophy it's not excuse to be a bastard

[@melaneystevens378]

Why do you delete any comments that may disagree with your philosophies? I am a parent of one of your previous students, and I can speak only from that experience, this is not a “white” issue, this is an issue of abuse of power, as an educator it is expected for you to be unbiased and a desire to want your students to excel, unfortunately you use your tenured position to belittle and destroy women, people of lower economic class, people of different racial ethnicity, and this is proven by the comments from your students past and present in the thousands providing examples of your degrading approach. That’s failure as an educator you should be ashamed that so many people have been wounded by you. Secondly I would like to address your question, I too lost my dad recently, I too am depressed, however I left my job out of respect when I realized that my depression might affect others. I take offense by you using the loss of a parent to excuse your behavior when clearly the credentials on uvm website that you sell yourself as having are false and that you don’t obtain those affiliations, those false claims were initiated several years ago, clearly indicating you as a fraud back then, so please don’t belittle people whom are suffering with a loss of a parent or battling with depression when clearly you’ve been a phony for a very long time. I am saddened that you or your employers don’t recognize you needing help as you indicate, and expecting you to do the right thing whilst getting help by stepping away from the position that allows you to hurt innocent people would be your choice. I don’t care what your values, morals or beliefs are that’s on you, but allowing you to have a position that grants you opportunity to impact others is very disturbing.

[@michaellovullo7363]

The problem with the anti racist movement is that in most cases. What you accuse someone of is a direct reflection of yourself.

[@nataliewallace7376]

Let me get this straight ur opinion of him is based on word of mouth not actual experience lol... thats wrong of u to do that.. Ur obviously a hateful person u gave into this ideology. Just cause he has a different opinion then u doesnt mean he's a racist or that he shouldn't teach kid. Grow up and learn to love others instead of judge and hate others. U are probably projecting ur own racism on him. I suggest u look in the mirror and say what u said to him to urself.

[@eugeneohba7030]

Im a Japanese US citizen living in the US, and nothing angers me more than woke people like you telling us minorities what is racist or culturally acceptable. If I have to be honest, people like you are the most racist in America today because you hate white men and put minorities such as blacks as the superiors race of all.

[@blooedfaerts5522]

Lady, you are so delusional. You need to distance yourself from your “woke” mob, and come to terms with your own slights. “Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.” This man is brave, as he is going against the woke culture to shed light on blatant racism disguised as equality. Nothing he has said qualifies as racist, however, the things he mentions-whiteness, for example, are clearly racist. And he is among the few who have willingly come forward to fight this absurd indoctrination of segregation, and he won’t be the last.

[@abaigealcarroll81]

what’s wrong with you

[@melovepeas]

Stay safe and godspeed man