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DYNAMICS OF DIFFERENCE

Learning Objectives:

  1. To learn how to foster a sense of safety around conversations about race. 

  2. To learn how to take responsibility for your own learning and interactions. 

  3. To learn how to avoid blame and snap judgements, allow for mistakes. Respect each other.

Pre-module Reading:

Goman, C. K. (2011). How culture controls communication. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/carolkinseygoman/2011/11/28/how-culture-controls-communication/#2ddf892d263b

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Schilsky, M. (n.d.). Social justice standards: Unpacking diversity. Retrieved from https://www.tolerance.org/professional-development/social-justice-standards-unpacking-diversity

Module 3:
Post-module Activity

I would like for you to take a moment to determine how you would introduce yourself to someone in a cultural manner. Think about culture in the broadest context, by describing ethnicity, race, language, family, spiritual beliefs, religious affiliation, generation, sexual identity, birth order, or any other self-identifying manner. There are two rules:

1. Please do not share what you do professionally, your job, position, degrees or title and do not ask any questions of the other person.

2. Listen only, while the other person is speaking.

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Now at some point during the day I want you to introduce yourself this way following those two rules. 

 

Afterward consider these few points/questions  How did it feel to?:

  • Introduce yourself without describing what you do? Was it comfortable or not?

  • Listen without asking questions?

  • Trust someone you don’t know with more information than you usually share in a typical introduction?

  • Feel somewhat vulnerable, not knowing if/how the other person was going to judge you by how you self-identify?

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Reflect on the points made and how it feels to introduce yourself as a human being and who you are vs what you do. Take this as an opportunity to reconnect.

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Reference:

Technical Assistance Partnership. (2012). Cultural and linguistic competenceicebreakers, exercises, videos and movies. Retrieved from https://www.tapartnership.org/docs/CLC%20Icebreakers%20and%20Exercises%20-%20FINAL%20(5).pdf

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