Communication Skills
I’m Getting Triggered – Now What?
CJ Liu interviews Dr. Arthur P Ciarmamicoli about his newest book “The Triumph of Diversity.” Over the last 30 years, Dr. Ciarmamicoli has facilitated a leadership and communication group and learned about diversity. Throughout his years, he has seen the power of empathy.
In this segment, CJ amplifies the voices of young people of color who are gaining power and influence but are getting frustrated at work for innocent misunderstandings from their white peers.
Common Situations
1) Triggered: CJ has experienced and coached women who have been traumatized by being misunderstood. Well -intentioned white people who want to understand, ask questions, but often the ignorance embedded in these comments can feel triggering. People of color and their ancestors have had a long painful history. Even explaining this history can result in the traumatized person getting re-traumatized.
2) Power and Influence: Younger folks feel bitter about having to explain everything to white people. They may think, “I’m the person being abused, now I have to subject myself to emotional trauma so I can explain why what you did was hurtful.” Dr. Ciarmamicoli explains that if you want influence and a voice, that this is the price you have to pay.
3) Watch Categorization: Dr. Ciarmamicoli suggests that we have to watch categorizing others and value the uniqueness of all people. Just because you have been frustrated by white man, it doesn’t mean that all white men think and act alike.
4) Equality for Everyone: Now that you have the microphone, is it just about flipping the power dynamic so that you are in power? If you are a person of color watch that you are not just flipping the same scenario on its head. Is your job to silence the white man in power? Or is it about leading with empathy and to gain equality for all?
5) Don’t Expect the Same Old Thing: Standing up for yourself is the right thing to do. Although it may be hard, standing up can result in change. Dr. Ciarmamicoli shares a powerful story in the video of someone who does stand up for herself and lands a job.
I’m Getting Triggered – Now What?: YouTube Video
More on Dr. Arthur P Ciarmamicoli
Arthur P. Ciaramicoli, EdD, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist formerly on the faculty of Harvard Medical School; the chief medical officer of soundmindz.org, a popular mental health platform; and the author of several books, including The Power of Empathy and, most recently, The Stress Solution: Using Empathy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to Reduce Anxiety and Develop Resilience.
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