10 Journaling Prompts About Racism
When I was in high school, I used to write in my journal every night. I wasn’t writing about anything groundbreaking - honestly, it was mainly just a log that detailed which boy I had a crush on that day and whether or not he talked to me. But these days I’m working on cultivating a daily journaling practice, where I delve into bigger questions and self exploration. (If you’re like me, and you want to start a daily journaling habit, then be sure to check back here often for regular journaling prompts and challenges.)
As you know from the title of this post, these 10 writing prompts center on an issue that I believe many of us are wanting to process and do some self-examination on: Racism.
I created this particular series of writing prompts as a challenge to myself for two reasons:
1) to learn more about my own experiences with race
2) to see if I could actually write in my journal everyday.
(Spoiler alert: I missed a day or two, but I absolutely learned a LOT.)
In fact, as I worked through these writing prompts, many of them got me thinking about how complicated of an issue race is in our society. I also realized how change must begin with each one of us facing our own subconscious beliefs and biases, as well as not being afraid to have tough conversations with others.
These writing prompts will help you delve in your own experiences with race, diversity, and how you can be more anti-racist. I hope you will take the time to work slowly through each of these questions and really challenge yourself to think deeply on these issues.
In what ways have I been treated differently by others, or by society, because of my race?
How did I grow up? Was my community very diverse or more homogenous? How has that affected the way I see people of other races?
Am I close friends with anyone who is of a different race than I am? How can I diversify my circle of friends?
Should we promote diversity in the workplace / in schools / in politics? If so, how?
Have I ever been the minority somewhere? How did that feel?
What is the definition of racism? What is anti-racism? Google these terms, and write down some definitions. In what ways have I been subconsciously (or consciously) racist? What can I do to be more anti-racist?
Am I uncomfortable talking about racism with others? Why might this be?
Martin Luther King Jr. said, “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” How do I want to respond when I hear people make racist comments or jokes?
Have I read any books or watched any films lately from a different perspective than my own race/culture? What did I learn? If not, what books or movies can I add to my list?
How does racism spread? Why is it so hard to eradicate? What are some things I can do to prevent the spread of racism?
Hi 👋 I’m Brie…
…the voice behind this blog post. I’m an artist, teacher, and plant lover living in Dallas, TX. I began painting as a relaxing hobby back in 2017 when I was going through a rough time (read more about that here). Today I am a full time artist. I also lead painting workshops, write journaling prompts, and spend lots of time doting on my plants.
Feel free to take a look around my website, check out my latest art collections, or send me a message if you’d like to know more about working together on a project. Thanks for stopping by!
—Brie
