About Racial Taboo

When the subject of “race” comes up, many people choose to avoid it. As a result, it continues to be a taboo subject.

Most white people don’t bring it up with a black person because they fear the potential shame of having their prejudice revealed. Many black folks don’t want to bring up the subject because they don’t trust white folks to be honest about their beliefs or that this time will be any different than the past. As a result  we don’t know each other.

In fact, a recent Reuters Poll on race indicated that 40% of white Americans do not have a friend(often not even an acquaintance) of different color. Racial Taboo events are working to change that in an innovative way using film, and it’s working. Check out what people are saying.

These events have proven to be a very effective way for communities to begin a meaningful conversation about “race.”  

You can schedule an event just about anywhere including your church, community center school or even at your local theater. Click here to set up a Racial Taboo event. 

Editors Note: Why Make Racial Taboo?

The idea for Racial Taboo came about as a result of a series of events. In 2009 America was in the depths of a recession, the stock market had declined by more than 50% and overall unemployment was 10 percent. It was at this time that I also became aware that black unemployment is historically double white unemployment and 25% of black Americans live at or below the poverty level!

My first reaction was, what is going to happen to all of these Americans?

Could these extraordinary statistics could somehow be explained by events in our Nation’s past? At that time I also began to question my prejudiced views. So I wanted to talk with some black people, but how? I didn’t know any black people and, as it turns out, neither did my white liberal friends. So I needed to find people that would talk with me.

It took some time, but with the support of some very special people I learned how welcoming and candid the black community can be about discussing the subject of “race” in America.

In all I talked with over 150 people representing eight of the Eastern and Southern United States to understand the most common challenges people have in a conversation about subjects related to “race.” I learned a lot and believed that other people would also find it life-changing too. So I produced a film specifically to help people have a meaningful conversation. You can help by liking Racial Taboo on Facebook, telling your friends or making a donation. However, if you really want to make a difference, bring Racial Taboo to your Community.

Topics Covered by Racial Taboo include:

• Why is “Race” Still a Taboo Conversation in America?
• How the Stage was Set for Chattel Slavery
• The Psychological Enslavement Process
• Lessons That Were Never Taught in School
• Is White Privilege Real?
• How to Talk About Things Racial
• Does Racism Affect Today’s Children?
• How Do You Build Friendships Across “Race”?
• How to Create Change

So enjoy your journey. It can start here.

Brian Grimm, Director, Racial Taboo