COPA National

Why is visibility important? The answer is complex. There are many reasons for the importance of visibility. When more people from various visible minorities are represented in the media, society actually sees them and they are less invisible. We come to better understand and grasp who they are, which helps create a significant shift in social consciousness and promotes the inclusion of people from different backgrounds. Another crucial element to consider is that the people ...who see themselves portrayed in the media have a greater sense of affirmation of their identity. This assertion of identity can inspire self-esteem, which is quite different from the feeling one has when one feels invisible or bad about himself. The message conveyed if members of visible minorities are not represented, especially in the media, is: "you do not exist and you do not matter." Another aspect of visibility is the representational burden. There is a risk of reinforcing stereotypes about a particular group if only minimal variations of that group are represented. For example, if most of the LGBTQ characters portrayed in the media are played by white actors, we radically distort the true racial makeup of this community. LGBTQ people of color then become invisible to society.

We are powerful role models for our children our words and actions teach them how to treat others with empathy and kindness so we can create caring and inclusive communities. Here are a few strategies: Being positive role models by treating others with caring and respect Listening carefully and communicating respectfully with others even when we disagree Showing how we can apologize and repair the problem when we’ve made mistakes as a powerful teaching tool... Working together to build caring and accepting homes, schools and communities by addressing problems early and honestly, and with respect Celebrating difference and diversity See more

Parenting is so hard. Caring for children is so difficult. COPA believes strongly in learning, not judging, blaming or shamingnot just of children but of adults too. We can work at being better at caring for our children, our grandchildren and children in our care. We can make mistakes, we can react, over-react, be angry, impatient, frightened, respond in ways we don’t feel proud of and still take steps to change.

Martin Luther King Jr Day became an official holiday in 1983, and marks the date of MLK’s assassination in 1968. On this day we celebrate the work he did and the people he elevated through steady, peaceful protests and activism. But to truly celebrate the work of this remarkable figure, continue the work of the man himself by performing acts of service for your community, neighbors, and nation and by deepening your understanding and awareness of the issues through study and conversation with others. If you have not done so yet check out our blog about moral courage: https://bit.ly/2KrsPXv, and our blog about racism, rioting and justice in the time of Covid: https://bit.ly/35RVH2s.

Anti-racism is a way of life. Like starting any new habit, anti-racism requires a conscious decision to pursue it as a goal and way of being. Intention brings mindful presence and awareness to what we say and what we do. Setting the intention to have an open heart and open mind in order to be anti-racist affects how one shows up. Present-moment awareness links with our intention to pull us out of autopilot and into conscious pursuit of our goals.