In this interactive workshop, we will explore the ways that three key concepts, the Buffer Zone, (which Paul Kivel defines as a range of occupations that structurally serve to maintain the wealth and power of the ruling class by acting as a buffer between those at the top of the pyramid and those at the bottom). white supremacy culture (as framed by Tema Okun), and the savior complex (particularly the white savior complex), show up in the mental health field and the work of the helping professions.
These concepts will be introduced, including a review of associated risks and patterns, and we will apply them to our clinical work in large and small groups.
We will also explore what frameworks, questions, and interventions can support us to move towards building a more reflective practice, grounded in principles of solidarity, and the goal will be to gain new resources and commitments to encourage continued reflection and action.
Further Resources:
UNDERSTANDING SYSTEMS OF PRIVILEGE AND WHITE SUPREMACY CULTURE
White Supremacy Culture by Tema Okun
What is Whiteness & Key Features of Whiteness: Calgary Anti-Racism Education
Seeing White: Scene On radio podcast series
White privilege and male privilege: A personal account of coming to see correspondences through work in women’s studies, (an essay frequently referred to as “The Invisible Knapsack”) by Peggy McIntosh.
- White Privilege as an Addiction by Gail K Golden
Racism 101 by SURJ
Heteropatriarchy and the Three Pillars of White Supremacy by Andrea Smith
HELPING/SAVING (INDUSTRIAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL) COMPLEXES
- No White Saviors #GoodAncestors podcast – Layla Saad with Olivia Alaso and Kelsey Nielsen
- The White Savior Complex: The Dark Side of Volunteering TEDx talk by Kayley Gould
- Nice White Lady – Mad TV parody of white savior teacher trope
- The Reductive Seduction of Other Peoples’ Problems by Courtney Martin
- The Ruling Class and The Buffer Zone by Paul Kivel
- The White Savior Industrial Complex by Teju Cole, The Atlantic
- Why Hollywood’s White Savior Obsession Is an Extension of Colonialism by Fariha Róisín
- Stealing the Pain of Others: Reflections on Canadian Humanitarian Responses by Sharene Razack
- Decolonizing Restorative Justice by Denise C Breton