Last week, we shared resources on how to have tough conversations this holiday season. An important part of that—especially when speaking to people directly impacted—is tone policing, and how society can be quick to discredit valid arguments when they’re not delivered in a way that suits the oppressor.

Take Action

• If a person's tone challenges you, use it as an opportunity for self-reflection. Consider: why does their language or tone provoke a reaction in me? Where is my emotional response to this coming from? What biases do I hold? What are the privilege and power dynamics at play here? Are my feelings valid or take precedence over that of the person's statement/feelings?
• If you identify as a person of color, consider how tone policing might show up in your relationship with yourself. How can you reclaim space for your emotions today?

Explore this topic and all the referenced material in today’s episode by visiting our website and reading the issue on our site: the-ard.com.

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