Assumptions and a Changing American Reality

Please understand my intention in hosting this discussion is not to create awkward silences or to make anyone feel uncomfortable or defensive. The importance of having these conversations, particularly as you head off to college, is to bring awareness and be conscious of assumptions that we all make. As a white male, I know I have been blind as well as aware of my own biases and privileges at times. Hopefully, you might be more aware of your own assumptions and how others may perceive you as you make new friends and meet new people from across the country and around the world with diverse backgrounds.

I hope we can lean into our discomfort a little more and learn from one another.

In-Class (in case you missed it):

Read Peggy McIntosh's essay, (clink link) "White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack"

Consider your privileges as an EA student.
Consider assumptions that are made about you since you go to EA.


HWK: Read Heart of Darkness to page 40 (4/7th of 71 pages) 

D-Block drops Tuesday because of the speaker tomorrow.

Please take your pick - and watch/read any (or all of) the following for Wednesday.

Watch Peggy McIntosh explain her journey into...



A historical example in the United States that illustrates what Peggy McIntosh refers to as "The Myth of Meritocracy": How does race impact home equity?
Subsidy versus divestiture.



When considering this injustice, think about these infographics...
what are our assumptions about wealth? and what is the reality?

Watch:




With changing demographics and inequality growing exponentially, why discuss race?

We are living in a more diverse country and more interconnected world.

We need to be aware of our history,
or assumptions, and where we are headed,
assuming we want "a just society." 

The ways America is changing, in seven charts http://t.co/NvZ3eOxuRN pic.twitter.com/8zQkObeTrH
— The Atlantic (@TheAtlantic) April 15, 2014

Watch this video on a changing America.

 


I know sometimes there is fear of saying something dumb
that will be well-intened but miss interpreted or even cause harm.

Have you said any of these "35 Dumb Things Well-Intended People Say"?
I have. The point is to acknowledge them and then open a conversation.
Let's discuss soon.

Lastly, consider code switching in Key & Peele:
How does humor defuse tension so we can talk about race candidly?
And when does humor cross a line?