In this powerful video, John and Lorraine discuss the definition of a ‘totalizing description’ and the damage it can inflict upon a person. Following that conversation, John interviews an African American client who has experienced being totalized on the basis of her dark skin color. A deconstructive conversation about the particular effects of racist assumptions ensues. The interview is followed by a reflective team of listeners, moderated by Lorraine in which the team reflects on and responds to the client’s words. Afterwards, the client is interviewed about the meanings she made of the listeners’ responses and the impact these have on her. A powerful video that exemplifies John and Lorraine and their masterful work as narrative therapists, and the poignant story of racism.
