What is racism? A thematic analysis of seventeen narrative accounts in this issue of personal experiences with racism is reported. Specific themes are discussed within conceptual categories of systematic oppression, grieving, awakening of critical consciousness, coping mechanisms, and power. Racism is deconstructed through these stories; new paths…

The author's experience of discovering his own ethnocentrism is described. Factors which helped him process feelings, learn from mistakes, and move forward are discussed. The challenge of dealing with various people, culturally different from oneself, who may react in different ways for different reasons is discussed. (EMK)

Understanding the collective versus individualistic viewpoint is important to understanding racism in America. The author applies lessons learned in dealing with homophobia to the matter of racism. Forming for oneself a white version of racial identity is the key to white's active personal involvement and identification with being anti-racist.…

In a world where socially constructed categories of race are misconstrued as biological, the author, a light-skinned "Black," found herself unacceptable to both sides. From exploring her own Blackness to owning both her Whiteness and her Blackness, her story explores the biracial experience that goes beyond racial identity models. (EMK)

Human beings tell stories to make sense of their experiences. Implications of this position for counseling are explored, using the author's experiences as the son of a Native American. His decision at age 11 to leave home for a better life is described as a critical incident. (EMK)

The society and the counseling profession are in a curious and confused period that envelopes a great racial divide alongside a greater racial understanding. Counselor educators want to be part of the solution. This personal narrative recounts experiences and understandings the author has gained of racism. (EMK)

A qualitative review of the seventeen narrative accounts in this issue of personal experiences with racism is reported. Discussion includes the "indelible marks" of racism, counselors as social change agents, and counselor training programs. A critical thinking model is presented to help professionals and students to deconstruct racism.…

We often speak the same language and assume that we mean the same thing. Experiences in Ghana refocused this author's earlier experiences of racism. As a counselor educator, she encourages students to appreciate the richness of experience available in a society that embraces diversity. (EMK)

The background, rationale, and framework of the multicultural competencies documents are discussed. Central concepts include development of awareness of personal assumptions, values, and biases; understanding the worldview of the culturally different client; and developing appropriate intervention strategies and techniques. Operationalization is…

The struggle against racism is an ongoing process that requires continuing self-reflection that leads to personal change and social action. Experiences from the author's Italian-Irish Catholic childhood, his adolescence during the sixties, and experiences of counselor training and the counseling profession provide insight to the development of…