#027: Letters To My White Male Friends - Dax-Devlon Ross

The Jedburgh Podcast

Race is an uncomfortable conversation. Recent events like the death of George Floyd and Breana Taylor sparked race conversations, racial tensions, movements like Black Lives Matter, and corporate action. These events have forced us to look inward and challenge our thoughts, perspectives and views on race and the role race plays in our conscious and unconscious bias. In this episode, host Fran Racioppi joined by investigative journalist, Dax Devlon-Ross to discuss his new book, Letters To My White Male Friends.

Dax and Fran break down the race divide between black and white. They define and analyze present day examples of systemic racism and why they exist. Dax shares his personal experiences of growing up in Washington, DC. We lay out Dax's LENS (Listen, Empathize, Notice, Speak) framework for how we move forward...together. And in a section called, Dax's Decision-Points, he lays out his checklist for solving any complex issue.

Read the full episode transcription here and learn more on The Jedburgh Podcast Website.

Highlights:

-Dax provides examples of systemic racism in America, an explanation of how we got here, and how we change it.

-We tie the Special Operations nine characteristics of elite performance into Dax’s seven core beliefs of Bravery, Community, History, Honesty, Humility, Inquiry, and Story.

-Fran and Dax discuss the role of charities in society, the gap they fill and the impact many do (and do not) have.

-Identity, and how a person identifies themself, is an important factor in how they view dominance, subordination and their role in society.

-Dax explains the current, and dangerous, tendency of leaders to not make important decisions, default to group think and their genuine fear of taking action that some people may not agree with.

-How to develop diversity, equity and inclusion programs that are not a result of woke culture, but focused on accepting the current norms, identifying the true goals and empowering community in the organization.

-Dax shares an emotional personal account of becoming a victim of racism and violence towards black youth.

Quotes:

-”I resist the idea that I was well off. I embrace the idea that I was middle class.”

-”A system can pivot to create opportunity, or a system can pivot to close off opportunities.”

-”Systemically racist policies typically have an effect on a disparate group of people, even though the writing or the letter of the policy may appear to be neutral.”

-”I have to be convinced of the belief of a racial hierarchy in order for me to subjugate other human beings.”

-”These are societal problems that society must solve. This is the role of government.”

-“If you are born into poverty the likelihood is that you will live in poverty, die in poverty, and your children will live and die in poverty.”

-”When you create more diversity you create more equity.”

-”I don’t just want to hear about your success...what I want to know is how you navigated your shortcomings.”

Dax’s Three Daily Foundations to Success:

-Love my family

-Set aside time for deep reflection

-Movement (exercise)

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