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Making space for dialogue is essential. These prompts and guiding questions help participants to engage in honest, thoughtful, and reflective conversation with the goal of understanding one another.
Black, Deaf, and Extremely Online
In what ways does Black American Sign Language differ from American Sign Language? Name at least three differences. How did these differences come about?
What is "code-switching"? How have Black deaf people used this practice to navigate predominantly white spaces?
What role did segregation and racism play in the development of Black ASL? Historically, how have ableism (discrimination based on ability) and racism intersected in some of the experiences of Black deaf people?
The pandemic has caused many to flock to virtual social spaces. How has this affected the Black deaf community, according to Isidore Niyongabo, president of National Black Deaf Advocates?
What role has social media played in the lives of younger Black deaf generations? Can you relate to these experiences in any way?
Explore Further:
How to Sign in Black American Sign Language
Color Blind or Color Brave | Mellody Hobson
How you found it uncomfortable to talk about race? Why or why not?
What is color-blindness? Why does Mellody suggest that color-blindness is dangerous
Why does Mellody argue that it is important to have conversations about race?
What does it mean to be color brave? How can you become more color-brave?
Cracking the Codes: Joy DeGruy, A Trip to the Grocery Store
Without knowing what was in the cashier's mind, what could you imagine the cashier might have been thinking? Why do you think she was thinking those thoughts?
Joy mentions that she would "become the angry black woman" if she got upset at the cashier. What does this statement mean? Do you think Joy had a right to become "the angry black woman?"
Joy says that Kathleen "used her white privilege to make right something which was wrong". What does she mean by this?
How was Kathleen an ally to Joy? How can you be an ally in your life?
What was the point of this video? Do you think its use of comedy was effective?
Why are all East Asian people lumped together as "Asians?"
Are incidents of microaggressions like this detrimental? How so?
What is the best way to inquire about someone's heritage? Do others have the right to know?
Texas High School Policy Banning Braided or Twisted Hair
Why do you think there were policies banning these hairstyles?
Do you think this policy is an example of racial discrimination? Why or why not?
Have you ever been concerned about discrimination because of your hair? Why or why not?
What is the CROWN Act? Why was this legislation deemed necessary?
Explore Further
When Does Plastic Surgery Become Racial Transformation?
Are the people undergoing these surgeries attempting "racial transformation"?
Do Western-White standards of beauty apply to areas outside the West? Does this affect how people outside the West view themselves?
How are "non-Western" and non-White" features represented in the beauty industry?
Considering straightening hair, bleaching skin, and plastic surgery, when does trying to "pass" go too far?
Brooklyn: How a Black Community was Erased from Uptown Charlotte
Before watching the video, were you aware of Urban renewal? If not, what did you learn about it from this video?
What do you think was the immediate impact on the people who lived in Brooklyn?
What doe you think has been the longer term impact of the removal of the Brooklyn neighborhood?
Who was included in the decision to tear down Brooklyn? Who was left out?
What can be learned from the history of the Brooklyn community?
Tough Guise: Violence, Media & the Crisis in Masculinity
While growing up, what images of manhood can you recall which defined manhood/
How do these images of masculinity influence or affect how one might see their own manhood? Does this affect anyone you know?
What are some negative consequences of violent masculinity that you know of or have witnessed?
Do you See These 10 Everyday Sexism?
How do you think about and respond to these 10 everyday sexisms?
What are other examples of subtle, everyday sexisms that you have experienced, observed, or participated in?
How can we begin to challenge these sexist ideas and practices?
The Complicated Reality Of Being Trans And Indian-American | Perspectives
How does Alok describe their experiences at the intersection of race and gender?
Alok mentions perceptions of Indian masculinity. Where do you think these perceptions emerged from? How might these perceptions affect non-binary and gender non-conforming people within Indian communities?
What is the reslationship between representation and identity (e.g., gender, racial)?
What is cultural racism? In what ways have you observed or encountered cultural racism?
Schools & Social Inequality: Crash Course Sociology
Is the U.S. a meritocracy? Why or why not?
How do schools contribute to differences in social class?
What were your experiences in schools?
African is Poor and 5 Other Myths: Simon Moss at TEDxWarwick
Why is the perception of Africa as a poor continent so common place?
What from this video did you find to be most informational? Why?
Do you agree with the speaker in how assistance to the countries of Africa should work? Why or why not? What other actions could be taken?
Before reading the article, how do you define middle class? How do you define the "American Dream"?
How does this article complicate your understanding of what it means to be middle class?
What are some of the financial challenges middle class Americans face?
What does Peterson mean by a middle class identity? What does she suggest that middle class Americans distance themselves from the poor and working class?
Based on this article, what do you think are some possible solutions to economic insecurity?
Judge Says Poor Have No Right To Clean Water
List all the ways you utilize clean water in a day. Now consider you did not have access to clean running water. How would your day look different?
What are human rights? Do all Americans have access to such rights?
The International Covenant on Economic, Social and cultural rights of 1966 adopted by the united Nations states that "Covenant recognize the right of everyone to an adequate standard of living for himself and his family, including adequate food, clothing and housing." Do you believe that everyone in America has access to these rights? Why or why not?
How is shutting off water of lower income families and small businesses further the economic gap?
Which is more important, capitalism or human rights? If you have a genuine inability to pay your water bill, is it acceptable to have your water shut off?
Top Conservative Think Tank: If You Own A Computer, You Aren't Really Poor
Before reading the article: What are the characteristics of a family living below the poverty line? What kinds of resources and amenities do they own?
Does this article complicate the "boot strap principle"?
After reading this article, how do we combat poverty? Are the programs in place now helping get people out of poverty? Why?
Why are the effects of cutting resources like SNAP?
