Anti-Racism Class (for White Folks): Advisors: Gabriel Kram and Pete Erschen
Following Section 1: Connecting to Narrative
Preparing for Section 2: Connecting to Physiology
You've now had a chance to watch several videos that reflect on the sociological construction of whiteness, and American identity. If you haven't yet studied the historical construction of whiteness, please listen to the John Biewen podcast, "Made in America (Seeing White, Part 3)" below.
1) Watch James Baldwin interviewed by Ken Burns about Liberty (just the first minute) here.
Gabriel and Pete ended the class by speaking about times they noticed they were being indoctrinated into White Supremacy culture. Think about a time or times when you became aware you were being indoctrinated into whiteness. These questions may help you reflect:
What specifically happened? Who were you with?
What was the story, belief, or message that you were expected to accept?
Why do you think it happened?
What feelings did you have in that moment? How do you feel about it now?
Resources that may help:
We played a clip in Class 1 from John Biewen’s (2017, March 16) podcast, “Made In America (Seeing White, Part 3),” part of his series Scene on Radio. You may find it helpful to re-listen or listen to other podcasts in the “Seeing White” season.
This overview of the underlying values of White Supremacy culture may help you uncover reasons and ways we persist in being complicit with White Supremacy and racism. Okun, T. (n.d.). White supremacy culture. Dismantling Racism Works. Retrieved from here.