Looking in the Mirror Series

In this presentation, participants will begin to understand what toxic niceness + positivity are and explore ways in which these practices can create a silence and lack of honesty that reinforces elements of white supremacy culture. Toxic niceness seeks to avoid conflict, while toxic positivity negates honest emotions and grief. they both enforce a risk of speaking out that impacts our individual and community well-being. Participants will be asked to look into the mirror to examine the ways in which toxic niceness and positivity are reflected in the ways we relate to each other and how it shapes our culture policies, and practices at UMBC.