White Academia: Does this Affect You? Aisha Richards, Founder of Shades of Noir.
We at Shades of Noir continuously encourage discourse between all people. We do this as a form of resistance, which aims to support understanding and acknowledge difference. We believe this is a positive step towards social justice and cultural competency. The following text reflects an interview in the form of a conversation with a senior academic (SA) within a specialist institution with Shades of Noir (SoN). The key topics within this dialogue are around diversity and social justice within a Higher Education context. This interview has been anonymised in order to protect the identity of the participants. This is a rare opportunity to have this type of honest conversation shared. All parties hope that this dialogue will be a catalyst for further discussions to take place to support change. SA: Hi SoN: Hi. You look a little nervous. SA: I wasn’t but now I am. SoN: Don’t worry this will be anonymised. It’s really important that you don’t over think these questions and offer your truth. There is no judgment, nothing to be caught out on...it’s going to be fine and I will show you the piece before it gets shared too. SA: I’m not sure I want it anonymised? Is that worse if I don’t put my name by it?
SoN: It’s interesting that you used the word ‘worse’, it will be fab. It will be. Sorry on this occasion it will definitely be anonymised. I think it will be stronger with people not knowing who you are. I know a lot of people...you could be anyone and that is the point. SA: Can I ask why you have asked me to do this? SoN: I don’t really know you, which is a plus so I don’t know what to expect. I’ve seen you in action saying what is on your mind even when it might make others uncomfortable but never heard your views on the topics I’m interviewing you on. I need this honesty for this piece so please please relax. SA: I will try. SoN: Ready? Ok, first question: As a person would you say that you have a diverse pool of friends outside of work? SA: I’d never thought about this. Ok, politics, gender, yes. Mmm sexuality and religion are pretty diverse. Have I gone red? I have...I’ve gone red because I have very very few black (can I say black), or Asian friends. What does this say? SoN: It’s fine for you to use whatever terms you deem appropriate to make your point. It is absolutely fine to use the words Black, Brown, Asian, People of Colour, BAME, BAM. Ok relax, remember just be you. // 99
