Today we are exploring learning and unlearning without guilt. But what does that mean? Sometimes when we learn about new identities and experiences, we may struggle to unlearn or shift behavior and can experience feelings of guilt during the learning process.
Let’s start with some definitions:
What is guilt?
- The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines guilt as 2b: feelings of deserving blame especially for imagined offenses or from a sense of inadequacy 3: a feeling of deserving blame for offenses.
What is unlearning?
- The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines unlearning as 1: “to put out of one’s knowledge or memory 2: to undo the effect of: discard the habit of
- As best described in Psychology Today, unlearning can also be understood as “the process through which we break down the origins of our thoughts, attitudes, behaviors, feelings, and biases.”
What is learning?
- The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines learning as 3: modification of a behavioral tendency by experience (such as exposure to conditioning).
Learning and training are essential to raise awareness and help individuals build skills to create more inclusive, welcoming, and equitable environments. Some inclusion topics include the following: Inclusive Language, Ableism/Accessibility, and many more! Learning about different identities and experiences can help with community engagement and build diverse perspectives. Learning and unlearning can help you examine your biases, acknowledge your privilege, and foster a welcoming environment. Here are some strategies to engage in learning without feeling guilty, based on an article by Milton Corsey:
- Acknowledge Imperfection: Nobody is perfect, and everyone has biases. Instead of feeling guilty about them, acknowledge that they exist and address them. It is about growth, not blame.
- Education Over Guilt: Understand that this is an educational process. It’s about learning and unlearning, not about blaming individuals. Approach it with openness and a willingness to change.
- Focus on Accountability: Instead of feeling guilty for past actions, focus on being accountable for future behavior and making a positive impact going forward.
- Embrace Discomfort: Growth often occurs when we confront discomfort and challenge our preconceived beliefs and understandings.
- Advocate for Change: Instead of feeling guilty for systemic issues, become an advocate for change within your organization. Work collectively with others to address these issues.
Reflection Questions:
- What steps can you take to engage in learning without feeling guilty?
- How will learning and unlearning both challenge and benefit you?
- How can you help teach others about learning and unlearning without guilt?
Upcoming Holidays & Observances:
- October – LGBTQ+ History Month, Polish American Heritage Month, Filipino American History Month
- October 2-4 (sundown to sundown): Rosh Hashanah – Jewish New Year
- October 3-12: Sharad Navratri – Nine day Hindu festival celebrating the triumph of good over evil
- October 4: St. Francis Day – feast day for St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals and the environment
Resources:
- “America’s Most Trusted Dictionary.” Merriam-Webster, Merriam-Webster, www.merriam-webster.com/. Accessed 19 Sept. 2024.
- Corsey, Milton. Empowering DEI Training Without the Guilt: Inclusive Excellence, 18 Sept. 2023, info.achievenext.com/blog/empowering-dei-training-without-guilt.
- Plata, Mariana. “The Power of Unlearning.” Psychology Today, Sussex Publishers, 25 Apr. 2020, www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-gen-y-psy/202004/the-power-of-unlearning.