Why Immersion?

Examining, critically, my whiteness and white identity.

Examining issues related to privilege and particularly my white privilege.

Externalizing my sense of entitlement that is connected to my own white privilege (not to mention class, but working to know the difference). ETA: by externalizing I mean moving the dynamic from an internal space to a place of overt knowing and responsibility.

Constructing a self identity that is more wholey integrated : "I know that I did not personally participate in the horror of slavery. But I know that because I am White, I continue to benefit from a racist system that stems from the slavery era." (Immersion and Emersion in Helm's White Racial Identity stages).

And, finally, acting with determination and insight to NOT be involved in activities that perpetuate racial oppression.