Tackling racism

Racism – the belief in the superiority of one race over another, leading to discrimination and mistreatment of individuals based on their race, appearance, skin colour or culture – remains a huge issue in society today.

Mind you, Racism is as old as time, itself. The Holy Qur’an talks about Iblis (Satan) being made from fire by Allah (God) and showing arrogance to the first man, Adam, whom God made from clay.

The cause of Satan’s rebellion against God was the high regard in which God had held Adam from the time God created him – and for his forthcoming role on earth, especially when God ordered the angels (which included Iblis) to prostrate to Adam.

Satan was furious with this as he considered himself far superior to Adam, given that fire can destroy clay, and the disdain and contempt in which Satan held Adam is the first ever example of racism.

Racism perpetuates social and economic inequality, limits opportunities, and undermines social cohesion, and well as having severe psychological and emotional effects on its targets, and again this bullying has been going since time immemorial.

In his last known public speech, the prophet Muhammad (peace by upon him) pointed out that all humans descend from Adam and Eve and that “there is no superiority of an Arab over a non-Arab, (and) no superiority of a white person over a black person or of a black person over a white person, except on the basis of personal piety and righteousness.”

In this final sermon known as the Farewell Address, the Prophet outlined the basic religious and ethical ideals of Islam and racial equality was one of them.

Now, some 1,400 years later, with so much hate and vitriol in the world, his message is more important than ever.

Education And Engagement       

This is why it is vital that society addresses Racism and the best way to do this is through education and proactive engagement from individuals and communities.

In order to effectively address Racism, it is important that we have a deep understanding of its underlying causes, its manifestations in society, and the ways in which individuals and groups can take action to promote inclusivity and equity.

Invictus Solutions is an organisation which provides a broad range of counselling services in Sydney.

Headed by our founder Dean Mousad who is also the driving force behind well-known charitable organisation Brothers In Need, the Invictus Solutions team includes a range of qualified and experienced mentors and counsellors from diverse backgrounds.

A workshop facilitated by the team at Invictus Solutions is an invaluable resource for those wishing to learn more about various social issues collectively and how to address them.

Our school and community workshops focusing on Racism provide a safe and supportive environment for participants to explore their own biases, preconceptions and experiences related to race, as well as the broader social and historical context of racism in society.

As with all of our workshops, this course is tailored for various school and community groups in a variety of settings, including high schools and tertiary institutions, businesses and other community locations. Our workshops are culturally sensitive, interactive and practical.

Our Racism workshops are designed to cover several key areas related to this topic, including:

1. Understanding the roots and manifestations of racism: Participants will be introduced to the history of racism and its ongoing impact on society today, including the ways in which it intersects with other forms of bullying and oppressions. We will also examine various forms of racism, including overt acts of discrimination, implicit biases, unintentional acts of discrimination and systemic oppression.
2. Identifying personal biases and assumptions: Participants will be guided through activities and discussions aimed at helping them recognise their own biases and assumptions related to race. This will include exploring their own cultural backgrounds, upbringing and experiences with diversity, as well as examining the ways in which their beliefs and behaviours may contribute to or perpetuate racist attitudes and actions.
3. Building empathy and understanding: Participants will be encouraged to engage in activities and discussions aimed at fostering empathy and understanding across racial lines. This may include sharing personal stories and experiences related to race, engaging in role-playing exercises and learning about the experiences and perspectives of different racial groups.
4. Developing strategies for action: The workshop will focus on empowering those present to take concrete steps towards addressing racism in their private and educational or professional lives. This will include learning about effective communication strategies, exploring ways to confront racist behaviours and attitudes in others, and identifying opportunities to take action and promote racial justice.

Throughout the course of this workshop, participants will be guided by experienced facilitators including individuals from different racial and ethnic backgrounds, who are experts in the fields of psychology, sociology, and social justice.

By providing a comprehensive and supportive learning environment, a Racism workshop facilitated by the team at Invictus Solutions will help participants gain a deep understanding of Racism and its impact on society, as well as the tools and strategies needed to address it effectively.

Ultimately, by promoting greater awareness and engagement around issues of race, these workshops help promote a more inclusive, equitable and just society for all.