Brené on Shame and Accountability
https://brenebrown.com/podcast/brene-on-shame-and-accountability/
This was our first “post-CHOP” (Capitol Hill Occupied Protest, formerly known as Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone), “post-Juneteenth” meeting of our podcast club at work and I really was hoping to find something for us to listen to that would keep the conversation going. I was hoping for something more than just another introduction to understanding racism, something more than just reporting on current events, and something that would keep some of that energy that people had experienced focused in the direction of change.
What we found for this month was absolutely perfect for the moment - an episode of Brené Brown’s Unlocking Us podcast all about Shame and Accountability. On this episode it’s just Brené, no guests - and she basically takes us, the listeners on a mental journey of tackling some of the very tough and real feelings that come along with the topic of racial equality. Feelings like shame, guilt, embarrassment, -> how those feelings trigger parts of brain at a very physical level and more importantly she shares some strategies on how to pull our “thinking brains” back online when this happens. And of course, being Brené, she does a fabulous job being vulnerable and sharing several “real” stories to help illustrate her points.
One more thing… she references a fabulous, pivotal essay in the podcast and I wanted to share the link here so you can access it if you’re interested: The Master’s Tools Will Never Dismantle the Master’s House by Audre Lorde
Suggested discussion questions (if you need something to start the conversation):
What are some of the feelings you have experienced this year with all of the recent events OR at an earlier time in your life in regards to racial equity (or inequity)?
What did you think about Brené’s take on feeling shame vs. being shamed?
“I’m here to get it right, not to be right” -> does this phrase resonate with you? Could you see using it in your own real life situations? Any personal stories that you might share?